Help me with a training session I need to hold

Hi

I've been tasked to hold a general Java course for a few newcomers in the company. It will be 1hr/day for 5 days, for some people who only know the basic theory of Java, like what is polymorphism and stuff like that. What do you think I should talk to them about? Collections? Ant? Any ideas on what to talk about/how to structure the session would be appreciated, thank you!
[ March 18, 2008: Message edited by: Fane Preda ]

Here are some ideas:

1. Have them test the version numbers of javac and java from the command-line

java -version
javac -version

2. Have them write a HelloWorld app using a plain text editor such as Notepad.

3. Compile HelloWorld from the command line

javac HelloWorld.java

4. Run HelloWorld from the command-line:

java HelloWorld

5. Teach them to do HelloWorld from the IDE that they will be using at your company.

6. Make sure that they each have a computer for "hands-on" learning.

7. There are some online resources that each new employee can go through at their own rate.

8. Make sure that they all have Internet access to the following site:

http://chortle.ccsu.edu/java5/index.html

9. Let the students skim the chapters that they know and ask them to do all of the quizzes and exercises that they feel that they need to know.

10. Don't lecture. The students will learn much more by doing.

11. Make yourself available to answer questions and help people who don't understand the quizzes or are stuck on the programming assignments.

12. After the 5 days of training allow them an hour a day to complete the online course.
[ March 18, 2008: Message edited by: Kaydell Leavitt ]