Workshop Checklist

PUBLISHED ON OCT 13, 2024 / 2 MIN READ

Before

  • Technical content preparation:
    • List all the topics you want to teach and write a few paragraphs for each of them (this way, you can easily use the content in your speech)
  • Prepare GitHub repository to put all the workshop content there, including:
    • Presentation
      • Always prepare extra slides, hands-on exercises, or technical content to deliver during the workshop in case the audience is more experienced or knowledgeable.
    • Explanations
    • Hands-on exercises
    • Use case scenarios
    • Future works
  • Plan the workshop in advance:
    • Duration of the workshop
    • Date and time
    • The flow of the workshop
      • Prepare a script for the workshop (what you will talk about and in what order)
  • Logistics (arrange room/office, other required things, etc)
  • Determine the pre-requisites for the workshop and add them to the announcement:
    • Bring your own laptop
    • Make sure the browser is working
    • You should have an account for the HPC system
  • Announcement (Determine a platform and make the announcement. You can also distribute it through the email list of your institute.)
  • Prepare a survey and asked them to fill right after the workshop.

During

  • Welcome users, and make sure they are seated and ready to start the workshop.
  • Talk to the users and learn more about them while introducing yourself.
  • Make things interactive. You ask them and allow them to ask you. Learn more about their technical background and determine the pace of the workshop.
  • Based on the progress, determine the level of knowledge to deliver.
  • Always measure the interest of audience and change gears as necessary to spark their interest.
  • Never judge their level of knowledge! –> They are here to learn from you. Be as helpful as possible!
  • In each workshop, ask them to take notes and give them a few minutes intervally so they can keep up. Otherwise, they’re going to forget!
  • Always take notes and catch what worked/didn’t work, or what you missed and fix this for the next workshops!
  • Be conscious of any kind of input from the audience
  • Give the link of the resources (i.e. GitHub repository) and make sure your audience can access all the resources.

After

  • At the end of the workshop, deliver the survey information (either qrcode, link, or email them) for feedback. evaluation survey!
  • Each workshop is a good time for self-reflection and opportunity for your growth.
  • Consider the feedback results and implement them to the workshop appropriately.