Key points & thoughts for those leading a seminar:

1. It's hard to do an introductory seminar in under 60 minutes. I usually ask for a minimum of 90 minutes. I usually spend only 50% of the seminar time showing software. Six titles are usually enough. I recommend demonstrating a "variety" of titles in order to show that software can be incorporated into a lesson plan in many different ways.

2. For showing your software.... a projector is great. In lieu of that, you can hook up two monitors to one computer using an inexpensive Y-cable available at most computer stores.

3. It is much better and easier to SHOW software than let people do hands-on. "Hands-on" wastes an enormous amount of time merely showing people how to navigate the software. Guided tours let participants better see what a program is all about.

4. Most seminar attenders come already intrigued by computers in C.E. What they usually lack is awareness of teaching issues, set-up concerns, or hardware knowledge. These need to be covered. Most have no idea the kind of software you are about to show them.  Many labs with good intentions have faltered due to bad setup (computers stacked in rows).

5. The COST of computers in C.E. is always on their mind. Many will face some opposition in their congregations. A few personal stories will help. It's also important to note that many churches already have computers available, a laptop for example, or used hardware their members have access to. Regarding cost... unlike curriculum and art supplies, hardware and software is re-usable. Pro-rated over 7 or 8 years, the cost per child is less than a dollar.

6. Many are pre-disposed to turn the whole project over to their congregation's techies --a major mistake. This is a teacher's medium. Teachers understand how to manage and motivate children to learn.

7. Without good advice, many churches will load up on old equipment before they even survey what kind of software is available. (They then express "shock" that there is very little good software for older equipment.) Even if you started with older equipment, remember that they will be getting started at a different period of time in the development of this medium. They need to be CD-capable right out of the gate. PLEASE share the best current recommendations about HARDWARE. You can read our recommendations at http://www.sundaysoftware.com/techie.htm

8. There are a variety of ways to incorporate computers into C.E. and there are a variety of software types. Early low-key experimentation will allow teachers to find their way.

9. Many educators automatically think about using computers first with their teen classes. Experience indicates they should first experiment with older elementary age children who are easier to manage.

10. A few churches are able to muster a lot of brand new equipment before they gain any teaching experience. We preach SMALL, SMALL, SMALL EXPERIMENT.......one or two computers and a handful of kids. It's more important to explore the medium, learn what it feels like to use it in C.E., and train your teacher than to please all the folks who want the project going full throttle.

11. Church techies can often give educators the wrong advice about equipment and set-up because they are often operating out of a business office paradigm or thinking about how the public schools use computers, or trying to do you a favor without really researching the correct answer.