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Setup and Introduction - Instructor Checklist

Pre-Day Preparation

  • Ensure computer has admin rights for software installation
  • Download Java JDK 17+ installer
  • Download IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition installer
  • Prepare sample code files
  • Review meeting schedule for today

Morning Session (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Hour 1: Welcome and Environment Setup (9:00-10:00 AM)

  • Welcome & Introductions (15 min)

    • Explain internship goals and expectations
    • Overview of 8-day curriculum
    • Set communication preferences

  • Install Java JDK (20 min)

    • Guide through JDK 17+ installation
    • Verify installation: java -version in command prompt
    • Explain what JDK contains (compiler, runtime, tools)

  • Install IntelliJ IDEA (25 min)

    • Download and install Community Edition
    • Initial setup and configuration
    • Create first project: "JavaInternship"

Hour 2: Java Fundamentals Theory (10:00-11:00 AM)

  • What is Java? (20 min)

    • Explain: compiled language, bytecode, JVM
    • "Write once, run anywhere" concept
    • Java vs other languages (brief comparison)

  • Java Program Structure (20 min)

    • Class concept (container for code)
    • main method (entry point)
    • Package structure basics

  • Coding Conventions (20 min)

    • Class names: PascalCase
    • Method names: camelCase
    • Constants: UPPER_CASE
    • Indentation and brackets

Hour 3: First Programming (11:00 AM-12:00 PM)

  • Hello World Program (30 min)

    • Create new Java class: HelloWorld
    • Type out program together: 
      public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}
    • Explain each part line by line
    • Run the program

  • Variations and Experiments (30 min)

    • Change the message
    • Add multiple print statements
    • Try System.out.print vs System.out.println
    • Introduce escape characters: \n, \t, \"

Meeting Participation (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)

  • Before Meeting

    • Brief intern on meeting purpose
    • Provide notepad for observations
    • Set expectation: listen and observe

  • During Meeting

    • Introduce intern to team
    • Encourage note-taking on technical terms
    • Monitor engagement level

  • After Meeting

    • 10-minute debrief on observations
    • Answer any questions about technical terms

Afternoon Session (2:00 PM - 5:30 PM)

Hour 1: Hands-on Practice (2:00-3:00 PM)

  • Personal Introduction Program (45 min)

    • Create new class: PersonalIntro
    • Program should print:
      • Name
      • Age
      • Favorite hobby
      • Why interested in programming
    • Format output nicely with spacing

  • Troubleshooting Practice (15 min)

    • Intentionally introduce a syntax error
    • Show how to read error messages
    • Practice fixing compilation errors

Hour 2: Exploration and Questions (3:00-4:00 PM)

  • IDE Features Tour (30 min)

    • Project structure navigation
    • Code completion basics
    • Running programs (green play button)
    • Basic debugging (setting breakpoints)

  • Java Documentation Introduction (30 min)

    • Show Oracle Java documentation
    • Navigate to System.out.println documentation
    • Explain how to read method signatures

Hour 3: Challenge and Wrap-up (4:00-5:30 PM)

  • Challenge Exercise (45 min)

    • Create AsciiArt class
    • Task: Print their initials using asterisks
    • Example output for "JS": 
         ***     ****
     *    *
     *     ***
 *   *        *
  ***     ****
    • Let them struggle a bit, then provide help

  • Day 1 Wrap-up (45 min)

    • Code review of all programs created
    • Discuss what was challenging
    • Preview Day 2 topics
    • Assign optional homework: Research "variables in Java"

Assessment Checkpoints

Technical Understanding

  • Can explain what a class is
  • Understands main method purpose
  • Can run a Java program independently
  • Recognizes basic syntax errors

Engagement Level

  • Asked relevant questions
  • Showed curiosity about concepts
  • Participated appropriately in meeting
  • Completed exercises with minimal frustration

Areas Needing Attention

  • Note any concepts that need reinforcement
  • Identify learning pace preferences
  • Record communication style observations

Materials Needed

  • Computer with admin access
  • Internet connection for downloads
  • Notepad for meeting notes
  • Printed handout for intern reference

Time Flexibility Notes

  • If ahead of schedule: Add more practice exercises or introduce basic commenting
  • If behind schedule: Focus on successful Hello World execution, defer ASCII art to Day 2
  • If very behind: Ensure environment setup is complete, theory can continue Day 2

Success Criteria for Day 1

  • Development environment fully functional
  • At least one Java program written and executed
  • Basic understanding of class and main method
  • Positive attitude and engagement maintained