If there is a positive side to the pandemic, it could be the intense focus on online and asynchronous learning. Although it is clear that student achievement and mental health suffered as a result of isolation, students with disabilities and those from rural communities report that this time had many benefits, some of which can be seen in remote directly operated telescopes projects. This presentation will explore these issues highlight through two such projects; The Stone Edge Observatory and Photon Ranch. Both projects offer access to motivational and engaging STEM experiences.

This presentation and discussion series will consider these projects from the logistics of remote operations to curriculum design and development from the perspective of leveraging gains made through the rapid adaptation of existing materials during COVID with more intentionality of purpose to student learning outcomes and accessibility. This presentation series will look at options for remote telescope operations and associated online educational resources that we can use to meet students’ diverse geographic, technological, and educational needs.