How to do a Virtual Family Workshop

Here is all the information you need to host your own Virtual Family workshop.
The following instructions are also available in a MS Word document.

1. Number of Presenters:
   • Ideally you need at least 2 (one to present the tutorial and the other to help the students) but you could do it with one.
2. Equipment needed:
   • Laptops & their power cords:   ideally 1 laptop /student up to 1 laptop / 3 students (any more than that and the kids don't get the same hands on experience);  make sure the sound is set to high;  laptops seem to work best because the software is already installed and tested and all you need to do is go in and plug them in.   If you can't use laptops see the VF Workshop form for computer specifications
   • Laptop bags / dolly
   • Floppy disc adapter for the laptops (just in case)
   • Projector to hook up to a laptop / screen
   • Extension cords (the number depends on the room setup and availability of outlets)
   • Extra Virtual Family CD's including the installation instructions and Virtual Family Workshop forms.  These are available from the SWIFT office.
   • Any necessary forms - ie/evaluation forms
3. Time needed:
   • 45 min to 2 hours
4. Number of Students:
   • The number of students totally depends on the number of available computers.  With any more than three students to one computer, the students will not get enough hands on experience and will get bored quickly.    When students are sharing computers it is important to make sure that all students are getting a chance to use it and that one student is not doing everything (maybe have them switch half way through).
5. Suggested procedure:
   • Introduction - Powerpoint presentation on laptop (approx. 5 - 10 minutes)
   • Free playtime/exploration time with VF (approx. 15 - 20 minutes)
   • Lead tutorial - The Add an Action to Virtual Familty tutorial is easy to lead and gives the students an opportunity to program in Java.    The presenter slowly and clearly goes through the tutorial on the screen while the students follow along on their own computers.   (approx. 20 minutes)
   • Self led tutorial - Spicing up Virtual Family tutorial is good because it gives the students an opportunity to try the Ultimate Paint program and see the more creative/artsy side of computing.   (approx. 20 minutes but you can extend this and let them try other tutorials as well)
   • If you have more time, just have them do another tutorial.   (your choice)
   • Evaluations (approx. 5 minutes)
6. Training local people to help out:
   • If we are not able to send out enough presenters, we could always train someone to help out.  This would entail finding someone to help, giving them a detailed outline of the format of the workshop and ideally giving them a VF CD, in advance, for them to install on their computer and practice the suggested tutorials.  This way they are familiar with the program and are better able to help the students when they experience difficulties.  If we can't get the CD to them then have a half hour or hour session before the workshop where you go over the format, show them the tutorials and tell them what their role is.
7. Common Problems:
   • Set up / installation problems when not using laptops:  making sure the permissions on the network are set up correctly; time for set-up (it's really quick if you don't run into any problems - if you do run into problems, hopefully there is a tech person on staff to ask)
   • There are always weird idiosyncracies with the program - ie/ occasionally the program will hang
   • Carrying the laptops - after a while they get heavy, especially if you are carrying a few.  Ideally we should have a travel dolly to load them on and secure them with bungey cords.
8. Suggestions:
   • If possible, use laptops.