EPIQ 2016 Are you interested in learning and teaching Computer Science? Come to the Experience Programming in Quorum (EPIQ) workshop and learn with us! EPIQ is a computer science training workshop for educators and professionals using the Quorum programming language held at the Washington State School for the Blind July 11th-18th, 2016. Participants are encouraged to fly in the day before on the 10th and leave after the last session at noon on the 18th. More information on EPIQ can be found here: http://quorumlanguage.com/epiq.php Who runs EPIQ: The Quorum Outreach and Research Foundation (qorf.org). This organization works with several others that have helped with funding over the years, including the Washington State School for the Blind, Perkins School for the Blind, the Readers Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the University of Washington's Do-It program, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and others. 2016 Theme: This year's theme is Mobile and Games. Specifically, whether returning or just starting, teachers will learn computer science concepts in the context of programming for mobile phones and 3D computer games. Like previous years, we will still have lessons dedicated to 2D gaming, LEGO robotics, auditory gaming, and others. Here's a link to the LEGO kits: http://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/?domainredir=mindstorms.lego.com Advanced teachers will do all of the above while also learning more advanced computer science concepts. As usual, the programming environments are designed to be understandable and usable by all, including those with disabilities. EPIQ 2016 Tracks: Attendees can choose between a beginner or advanced track and will spend the week learning how to use the accessible Integrated Development Environment: Sodbeans, and the Quorum Programming Language. The beginner track is geared for teachers that do not know how to program coming in, while the advanced track will cover concepts up to and beyond a second semester college course. Both tracks will contain new or updated content for EPIQ this year, largely due to a grant from the National Science Foundation. Apply now! Applications are now open for the conference. As always, funding and space are highly limited, so we strongly encourage applicants to fill out the survey below as soon as possible. Here is the application: http://goo.gl/forms/iN3J7jGYL6 The deadline for applications is March 1st, so don’t delay! Please contact The EPIQ steering committee at <epiq@qorf.org> with any questions or concerns. EPIQ Steering Committee, 2016 Andreas Stefik, Sam Shaw, Sina Bahram, Mike Bicknell, Adam Stone, and Derrick Smith, -- Derrick W. Smith, Ed.D., COMS Chair, Department of Curriculum and Instruction Associate Professor University of Alabama in Huntsville "Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good." I Thessalonians 5:21