[IAEP] (no subject)

[Caryl Bigenho]

Hi All,
Yesterday I did my 2 hour workshop and one hour presentation at the CUELA Tech Fair. I want to thank all of you who helped me solve some of the problems I was having with the software.
My one hour presentation about OLPC and volunteering was great. Folks were interested, asked a lot of questions, and learned a lot. Some were even talking about the possibility of applying for the Contributors Program.
The two-hour workshop about software was a bit disappointing.  It has been a long time since I have done anything in that timeframe. I found that I rushed through a lot of things and I actually finished about 30 min early. There was no way to warn folks that they needed to bring their laptops and usb thumb drives and, though some did, we had to rely on the XOs and the Dell PCs that were in the lab.  Also the internet connection we were supposed to have failed. However I did introduce them to Sugar, explained the ins and outs of making the live CDs and usb SoaS, had them try Etoys on the XOs or their laptops, made Etoys to go usbs for those who had brought sticks, and downloaded it to those who didn't but had their laptops with them. Two of them also asked me to me download Maple_Syrup to their laptops.I wrote myself a note based on the workshop which I will paste below so you can learn from my mistakes!  Actually, I knew I should do all of the things listed. Some were impossible, due to circumstances which I could not control.  Some of the things, I did do. Some I just forgot!  Yesterday I was swearing, "Never again to 2 hour workshops," but now, I think I would like to try it again.I will put some notes into my presentation and post it so you can borrow freely from it if you like.  Give me a couple of days. I'll also put the list I have here on the wiki when I figure out where it should go.  If anyone wants to add to it, please do. Please remember, this is a generic guide, not specific to any particular workshop.
Grannie B/Caryl


General things to do to make a better hands-on workshop


Before the workshop:


	Know what the facility will be like
		size and set up of room
		type of equipment	
		what will you need to bring


	Participants will need to know several days before
		whether to bring a laptop or netbook (if they have one)
		what blank media they will need to bring
			CDs or DVDs
			usb thumb-drives (size)


	Be sure the facility is ready
		Equipment working properly
		Nearby restrooms opened
		Find out how to get help if needed


Spend time at the beginning:


	Introduce self and topic
		Slides (a few)


	Housekeeping notes
		restroom location
		break policy
		explain about assistance with cleanup at the end


	Have participants introduce selves. Ask  things that would be helpful to know for the workshop
		such as...
		what level and subject do they teach?
		what computers do they use?
		what software do they use and what do they do with it?
		what would they like software to be able to do for them and/or their students
		what are their reasons for choosing this workshop?


	Overview and background of what they will be learning in the workshop (slides)


	Set up working groups of at least 2 participants 
		Some ways to set it up
		 	by abilities (bend the line)
			by grade and or subject (sort)
			participants choose
			random (draw #s)	


During the workshop:


	Break the tasks up into small modules
		Encourage participants to wait for instructions
		Be sure all participants understand what they are supposed to be doing
			Enlist co-presenters or assistants to help


	Take photos!
		Enlist co-presenters or assistants to help


At Close of the workshop:


	Participants finish project and return to their origninal places
	 	Put away all equipment and materials 
		Return furniture to its original position if it was moved


	Quick review (slides)
		What they did	
		What they can do with their project (feedback)
		What else would they like to be able to do
		Suggestions for other workshops
		Other resources
		Congratulate them for their accomplishments
		Thank them for coming
		Hand out anything else you have to give them before they leave
	


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