Yes, an astronomy class right here on BAUT is the idea at hand. What are your thoughts about it?

The goal is to establish a semi-formal approach in learning about astronomy by dedicating a thread to be used as a class-like learning experience. Since many here do not have the time or money for formal schooling, maybe a dedicated BAUT thread can serve as a great alternative.

Just how this could be done most effectively is now "on the table". Perhaps those interested would all purchase a selected textbook to use and we would go through it chapter by chapter, maybe one chapter a week. Having tests are certainly a possibility, too.

What if some university someday allows advanced placement? This would allow folks who already have a degree - which means they may have completed all the non-astronomy course requirements - a chance for advance placing through the easier courses and enter at the appropriate level. Maybe this is already happening; I am too long out of college to know.

Anyway, what say thee?
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Updated from subsequent posts.....

Considerations and Recommendations Summary, thus far….
[Note that some are just ideas and may be mutually exclusive with others]

Course Speed and Time:
..... Take it slow, half the normal rate [antoniseb]
.......... Assign time frame per chapter [George]
.......... Let chapter test dates set pace [George]
….. Hours? [Tobin Dax]

Course Level:
..... Establish one [Tobin Dax]
..... Introductory level (minimal math) [danscope/Moose/
..... Two course levels offered [Kelfazin]

Course Material:
..... Web based [antoniseb/George]
.......... Wiki books (similar to or upgrade these “books”) [Fraser 17/davidlpf 20/Tobin Dax 21]
..... Actual textbook [George]
..... Create a new one [George]
.......... Parcel out the lesson creations [Kelfazin 19]
….. CGI [Argos 24]

Format:
..... One master thread [George]
..... One thread per chapter [George/antoniseb]
.......... Single thread for teaching text, then separate discussion subforum for discussion threads [Nicholas Bostaph]
......... Allow only instructors to answer questions [Kelfazin 19]
......... Each chapter on separate web page [antoniseb 65]
….. Subclass (eg math) [Serenitude 23]
..... Mini course first step [Fraser 65/Swift 70]

Tests:
..... Yes [George/
.......... Post scores [George]

Class Membership:
..... Limit to subscribed members only [Fazor]

Equipment requirements:
..... Keep to a minimum (eg binoculars) [Moose]
..... Be mindful of limited computer capability of members

Course Recognitions:
..... Certificates for completion [George/Serenitude 23]
..... Gold stars for high test scores [Fazor]

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Lighten up! This is a stellar board! Author: duh.

"The Sun, with all the planets revolving around it, and depending on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as though it had nothing else in the universe to do..." Author: Galileo supposedly.