"Windows on the Universe" October 2013 session
The Observatoire de Paris proposes various distance training courses via the internet, on astronomy, astrophysics and associated techniques; the courses are tailored for a broad public.
This Saturday, the fifth of october 2013, signalled the start of the on-line course : Diplôme d’Université "Fenêtres sur l’Univers" ("University diploma "Windows on the Universe") for students of the october 2013 class. Students following distance training courses can in fact be geographically far from the observatory: some of them are even in French speaking foreign countries.
The students are supervised by a technical and pedagogical team, composed of scientists and engineers of the Observatoire de Paris. A variety of academic tracks are proposed at the Master or License level; they can be validated within the framework of the LMD.
Students have access to a personalized tutelage, ensured by a researcher-teacher, to on-line correction of exercises, dialogue (direct or via a forum) with other students, and a system of page searching. They can participate in the reception day organized by the Observatoire de Paris.
Reception day:
The purpose of the reception day is to initiate the distance training platform and to reflect on the distance training system.
A general presentation is followed by a computerized practical exercise session, in order to familiarize oneself with the computer and pedagogical tools.
The participants have met the tutors and engineers who will supervise them during the course. They have also met other students enrolled for the course.
Since they have spent an entire day (including meals) together, the various participants have been able to get to know each other; this will facilitate the use of the various communication tools made available to the students.
Finally, to finish off this reception day and the practical exercises, a group photograph in front of the historic building, followed by a short summary around a drink.
FsU 2013 in numbers
Length of the training course:
- 6 months to 2 years depending on the course chosen.
Enrolment in 2013:
- 54 enrolled for the october session (35 present at the reception day)
For the pedagogical supervision of the students:
- 32 astronomical tutors supervise the students; they are mainly researcher-teachers at the Observatoire de Paris, but a certain number are also from other research centres, such as Orleans University, the Institute of Space Astrophysics of the University of Paris Sod, the CEA at Sac lay ...
Who is enrolled:
- 30 % étudiants (University, engineering schools),
- 48 % working professionals (engineers, medical doctors, researchers, consultants ...)
- 22% retired and others
Where the students come from:
- North Africa: Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco
- Europe : Luxemburg, Belgium
- France : Provinces and the Ile de France