I have been working (teaching and research) in Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) since 2003. From the same time, I have been involved in conducting various learning subjects. My professional background started with subjects of hydraulics in terms of pipe networks that mainly focuses on pipe network modelling itself, but it is also shares ideas from building infrastructure discipline models (incl. building information modelling) in where hydraulic analysis can be carried out and results carried back to decision makers. From 2004 I have been working with the state-of-the-art building information modelling tools as a professional trainer, consultant and therefore have great teaching skills in post graduate sector as well as having tight relationships with various companies that are leading the building information modelling practices in private and municipal sector.

The practice from private sector has helped me to start lecturing also building information modelling (BIM) subjects (spring 2016). First subjects in terms of BIM fell into buildings (vertical-BIM) category. Initially my focus in vertical-BIM was onto engineering systems (mechanical, electrical and plumbing). Thanks to my professional background, knowing hydraulic principles, helped me to see and teach the development of 3D pipe design considering the assumptions that came from building energy analysis. In todays vertical-BIM courses my focus is teaching the basics of BIM that will be further elaborated in other BIM-related courses. That includes also BIM-vs-CAD topics and introducing the level of information need concepts into the design thinking process.

While being involved in vertical-BIM for quite long time, the next logical step was to move into horizontal-BIM (infrastructure, roads, and utility network). At the same time, in spring 2016, I had a great opportunity to make an introductory BIM course for civil engineering students at TalTech. The focus of tools was different and the scale of BIM as well. But the main BIM principles stay the same. Again, the interest about developing BIM for infrastructure course came from private sector from where I do have practice for more than 20 years (incl. international companies). BIM for infrastructure is using vertical-BIM at the same time (civil constructions, bridges, etc.) and my strong background in vertical-BIM has helped to manage and keep going both sides.

Recent focus in BIM for infrastructure has helped to combine my knowledge in hydraulic network and infrastructure models where model-based connected workflows are main principles for successful project delivery, execution and maintenance. The clear indicator about my competency in that field was also invitation to carry out BIM for infrastructure full course in the TTK University of Applied Science (spring 2017 – spring 2020). The full BIM for infrastructure course in TalTech started from 2019 (once study program got updated and the new course included into the study program).

In terms of lecturing, I have been a great enthusiast propagating active learning and project-based e-learning methods and therefore my main subjects do all have a full e-course available that can be independently used during lecturing semester as well as for self-improvement (openly available for guest users). Each semester those courses are taken through open university as well. My e-learning enthusiasm has given me a possibility to be an Education Technology Officer in TalTech Office of Academic Affairs and to create the train the trainers type of e-learning courses in where Moodle is taught for our teaching staff (courses available in Estonian and in English). My long-term skills by using various e-learning methodologies has also been invaluable in many international research projects – like how to use e-learning tools effectively and how to develop engaging e-courses and therefore enhance the university’s visibility through open e-learning.

Main courses (with active links and available for guest entrance) in Tallinn University of Technology (see also Appendix A) :

• Building information modelling basics (BIM I) – full e-course available in Moodle (spring semester)
• BIM for infrastructure (InfraBIM) basics – full e-course available in Moodle (spring semester)
• Building Information Management and Modelling (BIM II) – full e-course available in Moodle (autumn semester)
• Water Pipelines and Modelling – full e-course available in Moodle (autumn semester)
• Basics of BIM – full e-course available in Moodle (web-only, offered through TalTech Open University)
• Moodle basics – e-supported learning for TalTech personnel (“train the trainers” course, web-only)