In the last 2 days I attended two Java workshops
with over 80 AP CS teachers ... the only one at
both Columbia on Friday and Duke on Saturday.

After gathering great feedback we've beefed up 
our HOOP workshops to include:
- More materials for Java beginners
- More on how Java works (JVM, JAR, classpath, etc.)
- More materials on Object Oriented design
- More "AB" materials
- More Marine Biology Simulation (MBS)

The whole series of HOOP workshops are
described here and is available on a CD.

WHERE:
These workshops are in your
home town. Actually, they are in your home!

We have received a lot of questions about our 
HOOP workshops, so here is how it works:

H-ands on
O-nline
O-n the
P-hone

H: Over half the time with hands-on Java labs and examples.
O: You are at home, school or anywhere you are online.
O-
P: On the phone, you hear live presentations from
Java experts such as Judy Hromcik and Dave Wittry.

CONS: You do not get the face-to-face interaction
with the instructor and other participants.

PROS: There is no replacement for face-to-face, but
after numerous workshops it's clear that the schedule
covers more in less time using the HOOP style.
And, when you take into account travel time, HOOP is
a huge material/time ratio win.

PROS: All the workshop material is stored online.
During the workshop, you ask questions using an
online forum. Our helpers answer your questions
real-time.
You benefit from seeing both the Q & A from other
participants and Java experts.
After the workshop, you have access to all the
material to review ... on your own time schedule.

Imagine asking a question on Lab three and
seeing all the previous Q & A.
Imagine running out of time on Lab four and
seeing all the Lab four Q & A when you are ready.

PROS: Presentations are over the phone
(non-local call).
They are designed as brief introductions to the
hands-on Java programming labs.
Hangup the phone and complete the lab.
Challenge labs available for the advanced.
Call in for the next presentation.
Hangup the phone and complete the lab.
Only one phone line is required but
having both online access and a separate
phone line is more convenient.
A 56K modem is more than fast enough.

PROS: Online support continues after the workshop.

Talk to you soon,
David Epstein