In an effort to continue filling gaps in the types of online offerings available through the University of Alaska, KPC professors continue to expand the types of subject matter that can be effectively taught online.

This year, Toby Long, KRC assistant professor of chemistry, is teaching two courses, organic chemistry I and II (CHEM A321/A322), in online formats that he has developed since he began teaching at KPC in 2013.

According to Long, he actively engages students in a well-rounded, online learning community that utilizes a diverse range of activities including solving textbook and online problems, viewing demonstration videos and tutorials.

This is the first time this course has been taught online in Alaska.

Long is currently working on his online teaching certificate through the Online Learning Consortium and is actively redesigning his online section of survey of chemistry (CHEM A103).

Astronomy segments on public radio station and night lights

Andy Veh, KRC associate professor of physics and mathematics, has provided a monthly astronomy-themed column for the Redoubt Reporter newspaper since 2010.

Veh is passionate about the cosmos and often invites students and the public to join him and his telescopes at optimum, strategic locations during important celestial events. Recently, Veh announced that he will be hosting a course, Astronomy: Night Lights, as part of the fall offerings in the Soldotna Community Schools program.

He invites the public (seventh grade and up) to one or more of his free gatherings where he will provide instruction on how to use star finders and telescopes.

He will also cover a variety of astronomy-related topics.

Veh will be offering the sessions from 7-9 p.m. on the following Tuesday evenings in November: 3, 10 and 17 in Brockel room 188.

“If the skies are clear, make sure to bring very warm clothes, cookies and hot cocoa,” Veh advises.

Veh is also collaborating with Jenny Neyman, publisher/editor of the Redoubt Reporter and morning KDLL 91.9 FM correspondent, to produce a monthly, three-minute astronomy show.

The first segment aired on Sept. 30 and can be reviewed at the KDLL website at http://kdll.org/sky-lights-brighten-up-falls-longer-nights/.

For more information, contact Veh at 262-0366 or email afveh@kpc.alaska.edu.

Paul Landen, KRC associate professor of psychology, will be providing a free, public presentation entitled, “Bhutan: The Hidden Kingdom,” at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 in the Kenai River Campus McLane commons. Bhutan, known as the land of the dragon, famous for measuring its gross national happiness, and is the only Mahayana Buddhist country in the world. In the foothills of the Himalayas, it is bordered by Tibet and India.

Landen spent 11 days in Bhutan. During his presentation he will introduce the audience to a country of ancient fortresses, Buddhist monasteries and natural beauty. Because Bhutan has Tantric (ritualized sexuality) tendencies, there will be adult themes in this presentation.

Later in the month, local fisher poets will gather at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 in the McLane commons and share their lives on and around the sea.

Many of the poets are commercial fishermen and through their poems and prose they share intimate insights into their profession.

Many of the poets who will be present performed at the annual fisher poets gathering in Astoria, Oregon, including, but not limited to, Steve Schoonmaker, Hannah Heimbuch, Clark Whitney and Meezie Hermansen. For more information, call 262-0346 or email daatcheson@kpc.alaska.edu.