Abstract:

Microsoft Research Worldwide Telescope (WWT) aggregates scientific data from the major telescopes, observatories, and institutions in the world. It enables your computer to function as a virtual telescope. Taking advantages of this powerful platform, astronomy curriculums are facing a new world, a new horizon: from closed and knowledge based mode to open and resource based mode. In the paper, we give a brief introduction of WWT first, and then show how the WWT provides a rich resource environment for astronomy curriculum through teaching practices at Central China Normal University (CCNU). The WWT is an ideal information processing tool, a collaboration tool, and a research and development tool. Our practices demonstrate that introducing the WWT into astronomy curriculums and teaching can help improve students' learning interests, participation passions, innovations and practical skills.

Keywords:

Astronomy, WWT, Resources, Tools, Integration.