Session 0 — Kick-off and Orientation

Last updated on 2026-03-04 | Edit this page

Session Plan

Duration: up to 90 minutes Goal: align expectations, verify setup, create first repository, tour GitHub UI.

1. Welcome and Goals (10 min)

  • Introduce yourself and the workshop format (flipped classroom).
  • Present the overall learning goals:
    • version control concepts
    • GitHub Desktop workflows
    • collaboration via branches and pull requests
    • conflict resolution
  • Clarify the schedule and what is expected between sessions (self-study materials).
Callout

Key point to emphasise

This workshop uses a flipped classroom approach. Participants are expected to study the materials before each session. Session time is primarily for hands-on practice and questions.

2. Check Prerequisites (10–15 min)

  • Ask participants to confirm:
    • GitHub account created and 2FA enabled (required for this session)
    • GitHub Desktop installed and signed in (needed in next sessions)
  • Troubleshoot any setup issues.
Callout

Common issue

Some participants may not have admin rights on their laptops to install GitHub Desktop. While no problem for the first session, this will prevent them from following along in later sessions. Thus, request that they ask their IT department for help installing GitHub Desktop before the next session.

3. Create First Repository on GitHub (20 min)

  • Live demo: create a repository with a README.
  • Quick Markdown introduction: headings, lists, links.
  • Participants follow along and create their own repo.

4. GitHub Tour (20 min)

  • Walk through the repository page together:
    • main repository info (name, description, visibility)
    • Code tab (file listing)
      • difference to local file explorer
      • adding a new file via the web interface
    • Commits (history) - next session
    • Issues (tracking) - future sessions
    • Pull Requests (collaboration) - future sessions
    • Settings (visibility, collaborators)
  • Encourage participants to explore on their own.

5. Wrap-Up and Self-Study Assignment (10 min)

  • Remind participants to complete Material 1 before the next session.
  • Assign the self-study deliverable: be ready to explain commit, push, and pull in your own words.

Exercise File

See Session 0 — Exercises for the detailed student tasks.