2024 events

Poster
Poster

Innovations in Education: the Evolution of a Practical Astronomy Course

BJ Eyland and Peter Eyland

Sutherland Astronomical Society Inc

Since its inception over sixty years ago, SASI has held an annual course in Practical Astronomy.

The course has evolved from simple beginnings to today using sophisticated education delivery methods, immersive experiences, and showcasing recent technological advances in amateur astronomy.

Each year, we update the course content and website to keep it relevant, informative, and interesting.

The SASPAC educational website was recently updated with password protection & pre-recorded videos of talks/lectures (in addition to the traditional slides of all the talks).

Many recent course participants commented that they appreciated the flexibility of the pre-recorded video summaries of talks because they could watch and repeat these in their own time during the week, either before or after the talks. Some said they did both and watched them twice. This initiative was a direct response to COVID.

The SASPAC educational website now includes: course syllabus, course objectives, course dates and dark sky observing dates, glossary, “consolidation questions” with answers, short movie clips, list of astronomy software/apps and useful links, on-line images of slides, on-line demos of astronomy software, animations of the night sky using Stellarium,etc.

We responded to feedback for additional practical hands-on use of different types of telescopes. The practical component of the course is now 90 minutes over each Wed evening over 8 weeks.

In addition, a number of our dedicated volunteer leaders/mentors showcased their own recent telescope purchases.

Participants in recent courses now gain insights into “new developments in Astronomy technology” and experience various recent purchases in telescopes, mounts, wif-fi, mini-controllers and electronics. A valuable lesson to experience equipment before they seek to purchase.

The course will continue to build relationships with the general public and will continue to convert many participants into involved long term SASI members. This is because we have adapted to changing times, and the course has evolved to meet this.