Welcome to Superquest 2006!

The Computer Science Teachers Association of Oregon (CSTA, pronounced "siesta") and the Software Association of Oregon Foundation (SAOF) welcome you to Superquest 2006.

Where else are you going to get the opportunity to talk "computer science" with a fellow educator, without that colleague's eyes glazing over and rolling up into their head :-) ?

The opportunity to learn new computer related skills and knowledge, develop friendships, discuss computer science education, and interact with like-minded people is a genuine treasure.

As such, we hope you enjoy the experience that is Superquest.

About Superquest

Superquest exists to help computer science teachers teach computer science. This annual event is brought to you by CSTA, and funded by the SAOF. The main Superquest workshop classes typically occur over a two-week time-span (see the Poll at right) at the end of July and early August.

The event typically takes place at an Oregon college/university. In the past, these venues have included George Fox College, Willamette University, and Western Oregon University (the last 4 years).

SAOF's Role in Superquest

The majority of the funding for Superquest is provided by the Software Association of Oregon Foundation. The SAOF is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation. Please take some time to visit their web site. Consider making a financial contribution yourself to the SAOF.

The SAO Foundation has also generously donated staff time and expertise, in the guise of our go-to/do-all person, Kathryn Schwartz. Kathryn handles publicity, registration, information packets, id-cards, venue logistics, Western Oregon University coordination, and a million other things. Kathryn serves as Educational Programs Coordinator for the SAOF.

CSTA/Superquest is indebted to the SAOF for financial and personnel assistance. The Oregon Software Industry cares about computer science and engineering in our schools in Oregon, which is amply demonstrated by their continued support over the years.

CSTA's Role in Superquest

CSTA, SAOF, and college and industry representatives collaborate to pick a mix of class offerings. Teachers of successful programs are asked to share their expertise and model best practices in how to lead students into understanding the concepts. Each teacher at Superquest impacts over 150 students during the following year.The quality of classroom experiences for thousands of students are directly affected by Superquest.

This post written and edited by Gary Frankenbery and Don Domes.

Superquest 2006 Information from Kathryn Schwartz

Superquest 2006
August 1 - 12
Western Oregon University, Monmouth Oregon

Thank you for registering for SuperQuest 2006. We look forward to your participation. If for some reason you are not able to attend or you need to make changes in class schedule or lodging please call me immediately.

This letter contains important information, please review carefully and contact me with questions.

General Information

Map:

Map (must have PDF reader installed)

Classes

All SuperQuest 2006 classes will held on the Instructional Technology Center (ITC) 3rd Floor or Annex on the Western Oregon University campus. Classes begin at 9:00 AM and end at 4:00pm (times may be adjusted by the instructor). An optional lab may be added to the day to allow some participants to earn additional credit; check with your instructor.

Monday Check-in:

ALL Participants please check in between 8:00 - 9:00am in the Instructional Technology Center (ITC) 3rd Floor lobby.

Wednesday's Luncheon:

This is a special event with guests to present information of interest to participants. Please be our guests for lunch at the Columbia Dining Room in the University Center.

Academic Credit/Oregon PDU/Washington Clock Hours:

Western Oregon University will award up to 3 credit hours per one-week class. WOU staff will handle registration and payment for credits ($45 per credit). There will be a table located in the ITC 3rd Floor Lobby at 8:00 AM on Tuesday to process applications for credit. PDU's will be handed out the last day of class. Washington State Clock Hours are available by arrangement.

Resident Participant Information:

Resident Check-in:

Check-in at the Residential Service Center, located onthe lower level at the north end of the Valsetz Dining Hall. At that time you will pick-up your key, meal card, and parking pass. Full week participants can check in Sunday evening.

Residential Service Hours:

Sunday: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Monday - Friday 7:30am - midnight

Breakfast:

Resident participants will use their meal card for breakfast in the campus dining facilities (Valsetz). Please note that the continental breakfast in the ITC building is for commuters.

Lunch:

Conference registration for Residents includes lunch for all attendees Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the campus dining facility (Valsetz Hall) and must be purchased with a meal card picked up at check-in. You can also choose to eat meals off campus at your own expense.

Note: Dinner is not included.

Parking:

Lot J is the most convenient place to park to reach Residential Service Center and Gentle Hall.

Resident Check-out:

You can check out either Friday morning or at lunch time. Check out and return your key to the Residential Service Center between 7:30am and 8:45am.

Evening Activities:

We'll be getting together for evening fun. Activities will be posted on the bulletin boards at ITC and the Gentle Hall Common Area. Usually we gather in the dorm commons area and decide on an activity.

Meet and Greet

On Thursday August 3rd there will be a meet-and-greet with industry representatives - and refreshments - from 4:00 to 6:30pm in the Werner Center. Please plan to attend.

Residence Hall Computer Lab:

There is a 12 person computer lab, with internet access, at Landers Hall available for resident use from 6:00pm to 10:00pm Monday through Thursday.

Weight Room:

Resident participants can use the weight room from 6:00pm to 10:00pm Monday through Thursday.

Room Extras:

If you contracted to add a micro-fridge, microwave, or internet access to your dorm room and you have any problems with these items - please immediately contact Residential Services and let me know about it as soon as possible. The charges for these services are passed along from WOU and any dispute of those services/expenses must be registered right away or we will both be billed.

Kathryn Schwartz
Educational Programs Coordinator
SAO Foundation