This checklist supports in-person delivery of the 12-session GitHub training curriculum for farmers. Each session runs 165 minutes (2h45m with 15-minute buffer). Use this document to prepare the venue, test technology, organize materials, and handle session-day logistics.
Complete these tasks 24 hours before the session:
- Arrange seating in U-shape or classroom style for 15-20 learners
- Position instructor table at the front with clear sightlines to projector screen
- Leave 3-4 feet of walkable space around perimeter for instructor circulation
- Set up tables to accommodate laptops (minimum 24 inches width per learner)
- Verify all seats have clear view of projected screen
- Test all wall outlets in the room
- Position 3-4 power strips around the room (one per 4-5 learners)
- Run extension cords safely along walls (tape down cables to prevent tripping)
- Label power strips with table numbers or seat ranges
- Verify instructor table has dedicated power outlet for laptop and projector
- Set up projector or large screen display
- Test projector connection with instructor laptop (HDMI/VGA/USB-C adapter ready)
- Adjust projector focus and keystone correction
- Position screen at appropriate height (top of screen at or above seated eye level)
- Verify screen is readable from back row
- Test Wi-Fi connectivity in all corners of the room
- Note Wi-Fi signal strength at back tables
- Write Wi-Fi network name and password on whiteboard or flip chart
- Confirm network supports 15-20 simultaneous connections
- Identify backup mobile hotspot device and confirm data plan active
- Set up whiteboard or flip chart at front of room
- Stock dry-erase markers (test 3-4 to ensure they work)
- Provide eraser or paper towels for whiteboard
- Post blank chart paper on wall for parking lot items
Complete these tasks 60 minutes before learners arrive:
- Fully charge laptop (bring power adapter to session)
- Connect laptop to projector and verify display mirroring
- Set screen resolution to 1920x1080 or lower for projector compatibility
- Increase browser zoom to 150% minimum for readability from back row
- Disable sleep mode and screen dimming during session
- Close all unnecessary applications to reduce distractions
- Open browser with all session-specific demo repositories bookmarked
- Log in to instructor GitHub account
- Verify demo repository is in expected state for the session
- Test GitHub page load speed on venue Wi-Fi
- Clear browser cache if pages load slowly
- Open facilitation script in second browser tab or separate device
- Copy session slides to USB drive
- Save offline screenshots of critical demo steps to laptop desktop
- Verify mobile hotspot device is charged and ready
- Test screen mirroring from phone to projector (if projector fails)
- Download PDF copies of all session handouts to laptop
- Silence phone and place in Do Not Disturb mode
- Disable all laptop notifications (email, calendar, messaging)
- Turn off automatic software updates
- Close Slack, email clients, and social media tabs
- Project first slide and verify readability from back row
- Walk to back of room and confirm text is legible
- Adjust lighting to reduce glare on screen
- Test any video clips or animations in slides (if applicable)
Print the following materials for each session. Use this table to prepare handouts:
| Session | Core Materials | Reference Guides | Copies Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lab exercise, Terminology cheat sheet | Terminology cheat sheet | Learners + 3 |
| 2 | Lab exercise | Issue creation guide | Learners + 3 |
| 3 | Lab exercise, Project board checklist | Project board checklist | Learners + 3 |
| 4 | Lab exercise | Collaboration basics guide | Learners + 3 |
| 5 | Lab exercise | Notification settings guide | Learners + 3 |
| 6 | Lab exercise | Template design guide | Learners + 3 |
| 7 | Lab exercise | Actions overview guide | Learners + 3 |
| 8 | Lab exercise | Workflow setup guide | Learners + 3 |
| 9 | Lab exercise | Advanced projects guide | Learners + 3 |
| 10 | Lab exercise | Copilot getting started guide | Learners + 3 |
| 11 | Lab exercise | Spark agents guide | Learners + 3 |
| 12 | Lab exercise, Capstone guide | Capstone guide | Learners + 3 |
- Count learner registrations and add 3 for extras
- Print all session-specific lab exercises (one per learner)
- Print reference guides for the session (one per learner)
- Print L1 evaluation survey forms (one per learner)
- Collate materials into session packets (staple or clip by learner)
- Label extra copies for latecomers or damaged handouts
- Print terminology cheat sheet for all 12 sessions (one per learner, laminate if possible)
- Print sign-in/attendance sheet template
- Print emergency contact information for venue coordinator
- Print Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide for common device types
- L1 reaction surveys (print one per learner, every session)
- L2 observation rubrics (instructor copy, every session)
- L3 behavior surveys (print for Sessions 4, 8, 12 only)
- L4 results surveys (print for Session 12 only)
Complete these tasks during the week before each session:
- Read facilitation script for the session end-to-end
- Review slides and identify any updated screenshots or content changes
- Note timing estimates for each segment (lecture, demo, lab, debrief)
- Identify potential challenge points based on previous session feedback
- Execute all demo steps on live GitHub (not from memory)
- Verify demo repository matches the expected starting state
- Test each click-through path and confirm UI matches slides
- Note any GitHub UI changes that differ from slides
- Prepare alternative explanations for steps that may confuse learners
- Complete the lab exercise yourself as a learner would
- Time yourself completing each step to validate time estimates
- Identify steps that may require additional clarification
- Prepare 2-3 troubleshooting tips for common issues
- Verify lab instructions match current GitHub UI
- Take fresh screenshots of all critical demo steps
- Save screenshots to laptop desktop in a session-specific folder
- Prepare offline discussion questions in case of internet failure
- Review printed handouts to ensure they can substitute for online demos
- Decide if table groupings are needed (pairs or small groups)
- Prepare name tents or table markers if using group assignments
- Identify 2-3 discussion questions for breaks or early finishers
- Plan cold-call rotation to ensure all learners participate
- Arrive at venue 45 minutes before session start time
- Unlock room and turn on lights
- Complete all items in Section 2 (Technology Checklist)
- Set room temperature to comfortable level
- Place sign on door with session name and start time
- Set up sign-in sheet at entrance table
- Greet learners as they arrive and direct them to seating
- Distribute session handout packets
- Write Wi-Fi credentials on whiteboard in large print
- Provide verbal Wi-Fi instructions for those who need help
- Post session agenda on whiteboard or flip chart
- Write session timing on whiteboard (start time, break time, end time)
- Set visible countdown timer on screen or desk clock
- Test projector one final time
- Remind early arrivals to log in to GitHub before session starts
- Begin precisely on time (respect learners' schedules)
- Welcome learners and introduce yourself
- Review session objectives and agenda
- Confirm all learners can see screen and access Wi-Fi
- Explain attendance tracking and evaluation process
- Start visible timer for timed activities (lab exercises, small group discussions)
- Circulate during hands-on activities to provide individual support
- Monitor learner progress and adjust pacing if needed
- Use parking lot flip chart for off-topic questions or technical issues
- Provide 5-minute and 1-minute warnings before transitions
- Distribute L1 evaluation surveys 10 minutes before end time
- Collect completed surveys before learners leave
- Preview next session topic and homework (if any)
- Thank learners for participation
- Remind learners of next session date and time
- Switch to backup mobile hotspot immediately
- Announce network change and provide new credentials
- If hotspot also fails, transition to offline screenshots mode:
- Project saved screenshots from laptop desktop
- Walk through demo steps using static images
- Shift to discussion-based activities using printed handouts
- Shorten lab exercise and extend debrief discussion
- Attempt to reconnect laptop to projector (check cable, reboot projector)
- If projector cannot be fixed, use contingency plan:
- Gather learners in small groups around instructor laptop
- Rotate groups every 10 minutes so all can see demos
- Increase reliance on printed handouts
- Pair learners for lab exercises and rely on peer support
- Check GitHub status page (status.github.com) on phone
- Announce outage and estimated restoration time
- Redirect to printed materials and discussion activities:
- Facilitate group discussion of session concepts
- Use whiteboard to draw workflows and processes
- Conduct verbal walkthroughs of lab steps
- Assign reading of reference guides with group discussion
- Offer makeup lab session if outage is prolonged
- Pair learner with neighbor for screen-sharing observation
- Provide observer mode guidance:
- Watch neighbor's screen and discuss each step
- Take notes on printed lab exercise
- Ask neighbor to slow down for note-taking
- Offer to complete lab exercise at home after session
- If multiple devices fail, check Wi-Fi and provide troubleshooting
- Offer instructor laptop for critical demonstrations if needed
- Call venue emergency contact or 911 if serious
- Designate another learner to assist if needed
- Pause session until situation is resolved
- Resume or reschedule session based on severity
- Follow venue evacuation procedures
- Ensure all learners exit safely
- Announce rescheduled session date via email after event
- Collect all L1 evaluation surveys
- Count surveys to verify all learners submitted
- Note any immediate feedback shared verbally by learners
- Complete L2 observation rubric while session is fresh in memory
- Pack up all materials and equipment
- Review L1 surveys and identify common themes
- Transfer L2 observation notes to digital format
- Document any technical issues or disruptions:
- Internet connectivity problems
- GitHub UI discrepancies from slides
- Projector or equipment failures
- Timing issues (segments too long or too short)
- Note questions or confusion points that need clarification in future sessions
- Update facilitation script with lessons learned
- Flag slides that need revision based on learner confusion
- Adjust timing estimates if segments ran long or short
- Document alternative explanations that worked well
- Share feedback with curriculum development team
- Verify demo repository is ready for next session
- Reset any modified issues, projects, or workflows
- Create new test data if consumed during current session
- Update screenshots if GitHub UI has changed
- Review post-session feedback before planning next session
- Incorporate adjustments into next facilitation script
- Print materials for next session (see Section 3)
- Schedule makeup session for absent learners if needed
Use this section to document completion dates and issues:
| Session | Date Delivered | Venue Setup Complete | Tech Test Complete | Materials Printed | Issues Encountered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 2 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 3 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 4 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 5 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 6 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 7 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 8 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 9 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 10 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 11 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
| 12 | _____________ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _________________ |
- Venue Contact: _______________________________________________
- Venue Emergency Procedures: _______________________________________________
- IT Support Contact: _______________________________________________
- Backup Instructor Contact: _______________________________________________
- Curriculum Coordinator: _______________________________________________
- v1.0 (2026-01-30): Initial checklist created for 12-session GitHub training curriculum