Stefan,

see my comments Below in RED

-----Original Message----- Subject: [amsat-bb] Orbital classroom #2 (AMSAT Education)

Thanks everyone.

The comments (primarily offline) to my first post on the existence of the

"Orbital Classroom" just pointed to the perceived sad state of education

within AMSAT. Now, we can whine and do nothing or maybe put our heads

together and see what there is to do.

The first thing is to gauge the level of interest. I and others will NOT

engage in this without some significant feedback from the members and those

that are interested in amateur radio and satellites and education. Quite Understandable

Here are a few questions and I would kindly request your thoughts on these.

1. Would you be interested in attending pre-conference courses and

workshops as part of the annual meeting or at other venues? YES

2. Would you be willing to pay a registration fee that would cover

course material, instructor cost etc.? See Below but I think a modest sum would be applicable

3. Would you be interested in receiving a certificate for ongoing

education as it relates to amateur radio and satellites? See Below - but a good Idea

4. What topics would you like to see taught at such courses?

Perhaps the main thrust would be in good ground stations and decoding data, but the whole are

Of designing and building satellites is open

5. Would you be willing in helping to organize and facilitate courses

(you don't have to teach for this one, just help the instructor and take

care of registration, etc)?

6. Would you be willing to teach a course and if yes, on which topics? Yes - Many areas - to be discussed

That's a start and hopefully it sparks your interest as a participant,

facilitator or instructor.

Please email me your responses offline (don't hit the reply all button) and

I will compile the answers in a response to the board and this mailing list.

FYI,

I have been asked to organize and coordinate these efforts. First of all, I

will NOT assist, organize and/or coordinate these efforts unless I have

equal partners in assisting and helping. Secondly, AMSAT has an official

"Director of Education" who needs to be involved and work on this (with our

help if necessary). This person serves at the discretion of the AMSAT

president and I have no intention to do his work. Hope this helps to clarify

positions and responsibilities!

For now, it is time for the members to voice their needs for education and

define if this is relevant or not. Folks, here is your opportunity! Some of

us are listening and working on this. Let us know if you want this or not by

answering the questions above. As always, your opinion counts and even more

your help is greatly appreciated.

Have a Merry Christmas, a wonderful holiday season and an even better 2008.

My best wishes to you and your families.

73, Stefan VE4NSA

_______________________________________________

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