Student Comments from the first semester of Astronomy 105 Online
If you think you might like to learn about astronomy, then Dr. M is the man. However, be prepared to learn information about many of the known sciences of our modern age as well as learning a little about how we came to know these modern concepts. You will have to study hard for his tests they are not verbatim from the book, he makes you think. On a scale of 1-10 Dr. M's Class is at least a 9.5, he is one of the most intelligent professors I have had....
Astronomy 105 on the internet is a convenient way to satisfy a science requirement. Dr. Markworth has put a lot of time in this class and it really shows. He is always there to help with any problem that might come along. I honestly feel he has put more personal time in with this class than he probably has to with his regular classroom. Due mostly to all of us being on different time schedules. This is not an easy class, but it is manageable. I highly recommend it if you are self-motivated and need a flexible class that you control the schedule. You will not feel like you are on your own. I have taken television classes before, but this does not even compare to it. I feel Dr. Markworth knows each of his internet students as well as he knows his classroom students....... Beverly Weeks
Students at SFA need more classes like this.... In this class the student is in charge of his or her own destiny.
The Web based Astronomy 105 class presented by Dr. Markworth is an extensive undertaking that is well executed. I work full time and I am a returning student that is furthering my education. I have very limited time available for traditional classes. This class gives you the freedom to schedule your class time when you have time. It is based on a single text book and a series of computer based Real Video presentations. The quality of presentation is excellent, with extensive illustrations. Microsoft Power Point presentations and daily notes augment the lecture videos. The Real Video presentations are complete and cover all topics necessary for a good score on the exams. The quizzes, test and labs are graded quickly and posted normally in one to two days. The Real Video segments can be viewed over and over again, so that you can easily repeat a section until a topic is clear. One concept builds on the previous concept. There are extra credit projects that illustrate concepts and helps increase your grade. The chat room and list serve group email was used extensively to ask questions and discuss the more difficult topics. Do not be confused. This class is not an easy A class that does not require effort. There is a lot of material and it is still a college level astronomy course presented through a major university. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in astronomy, and particularly, students who are pressed for time that require a 100 level science course.