Reorder registration: Zoom first, GitHub second, add account creation guide, remove username field

Author: accesswatch

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/workshop-registration.yml

@@ -43,15 +43,6 @@ body:
     validations:
       required: true
 
-  - type: input
-    id: github-username
-    attributes:
-      label: GitHub Username
-      description: "Your GitHub username (the one that appears in your profile URL: github.com/your-username). If you have not created a GitHub account yet, visit github.com/signup first."
-      placeholder: janedoe
-    validations:
-      required: true
-
   - type: dropdown
     id: proficiency
     attributes:

.github/workflows/registration.yml

@@ -36,9 +36,8 @@ jobs:
             - **Location:** Online via Zoom (link will be emailed before the event)
 
             **What to do next:**
-            1. **Complete Step 2:** [Register for the Zoom session](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/REGISTER.html) - both steps are required for full registration
-            2. Complete the [Pre-Workshop Setup Guide](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/docs/00-pre-workshop-setup.html) before March 6
-            3. Questions? Email [support@bits-acb.org](mailto:support@bits-acb.org)
+            1. Complete the [Pre-Workshop Setup Guide](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/docs/00-pre-workshop-setup.html) before March 6
+            2. Questions? Email [support@bits-acb.org](mailto:support@bits-acb.org)
 
             You just filed a GitHub issue - your first open source contribution. Welcome to the community.`
             });

ANNOUNCEMENT.md

@@ -193,13 +193,13 @@ Our [Pre-Workshop Setup Guide](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/
 
 ## Register
 
-Registration requires two steps. Both are required.
+Registration requires two steps. Both are required. You will need a free [GitHub](https://github.com) account to complete registration - if you do not have one yet, [create one here](https://github.com/signup).
 
 > [**Go to the registration page**](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/REGISTER.html) to complete both steps - it only takes a few minutes.
 
-**Step 1** - File a GitHub issue with your name, email, and screen reader preference. This is intentional - filing an issue is one of the first skills you will learn in this workshop.
+**Step 1** - Register for the Zoom session so you receive the meeting link before the workshop.
 
-**Step 2** - Register for the Zoom session so you receive the meeting link before the workshop.
+**Step 2** - File a GitHub issue with your name, email, and screen reader preference. You must be signed into a free [GitHub](https://github.com) account - if you do not have one, the registration page walks you through creating one.
 
 Registered: <span id="registration-count-2" aria-live="polite">loading...</span> out of 75 spots
 

REGISTER.md

@@ -16,17 +16,31 @@ Registered: <span id="registration-count" aria-live="polite">loading...</span> o
 
 ---
 
-> **Already registered?** Complete the [**Pre-Workshop Setup Guide**](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html) before March 6. It walks you through GitHub account setup, screen reader configuration, VS Code, and GitHub Copilot - with instructions for NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.
+> **Already registered?** Complete the [**Pre-Workshop Setup Guide**](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html) before March 6. It walks you through GitHub account setup, screen reader configuration, [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/), and [GitHub Copilot](https://github.com/features/copilot) - with instructions for NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.
 
 ---
 
-## Step 1 - Sign Up on GitHub
+## Step 1 - Register for the Zoom Session
+
+Register for the Zoom session so you receive the meeting link before the workshop.
+
+> [**Start Step 1 - Register on Zoom**](#zoom-link-coming-soon)
+
+The Zoom registration link will be posted here before the workshop. Check back soon or watch for an email after completing Step 2.
+
+**Zoom accessibility notes:**
+
+- The [Zoom](https://zoom.us/) client works well with [NVDA](https://www.nvaccess.org/download/), [JAWS](https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/jaws/), and [VoiceOver](https://support.apple.com/guide/voiceover/welcome/mac)
+
+---
+
+## Step 2 - Sign Up on GitHub
 
 File a GitHub issue to register. This is intentional - filing an issue is one of the first skills you will learn in this workshop, so you are already practicing.
 
-> [**Start Step 1 - File your registration issue**](https://github.com/BITS-ACB/git-going-with-github/issues/new?template=workshop-registration.yml&title=%5BREGISTER%5D+GIT+Going+with+GitHub+-+March+2026)
+You must be signed into a [GitHub](https://github.com) account to file the issue. If you do not have one yet, follow the instructions below to create one first.
 
-You will need a free GitHub account. If you do not have one yet, see the [Pre-Workshop Setup Guide](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html) for step-by-step instructions.
+> [**Start Step 2 - File your registration issue**](https://github.com/BITS-ACB/git-going-with-github/issues/new?template=workshop-registration.yml&title=%5BREGISTER%5D+GIT+Going+with+GitHub+-+March+2026)
 
 **Note:** The issue title is pre-filled and required by GitHub. You do not need to change it - just fill out the form fields below it and submit.
 
@@ -35,43 +49,50 @@ The form asks for:
 - **First Name** (required) - your first name as you would like to be addressed during the workshop
 - **Last Name** (required)
 - **Email Address** (required) - we will use this to send you Zoom links and workshop materials before the event
-- **GitHub Username** (required) - the one that appears in your profile URL at github.com/your-username
 - **GitHub Proficiency Level** (required) - a dropdown from "Brand new" to "Experienced" so we can prepare the right level of support
 - **Primary Screen Reader** (optional) - which screen reader you primarily use (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, or other)
 - **Questions or Accommodations** (optional) - anything we should know or arrange before the workshop
 
-After you submit, you will receive an automated confirmation comment on your issue.
+After you submit, you will receive an automated confirmation comment on your issue. Your GitHub username is captured automatically - you do not need to enter it.
 
 ---
 
-## Step 2 - Register for the Zoom Session
+### Need a GitHub Account?
 
-After completing Step 1, register for the Zoom session so you receive the meeting link before the workshop.
+If you do not have a GitHub account yet, follow these steps:
 
-> [**Start Step 2 - Register on Zoom**](#zoom-link-coming-soon)
+1. Open your browser and go to [github.com/signup](https://github.com/signup)
+2. Enter your **email address** and press Tab or activate Continue
+3. Create a **password** (at least 8 characters, 15+ recommended) and continue
+4. Choose a **username** - lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only. Keep it professional; it represents you in the open source community. GitHub will tell you immediately if the name is taken
+5. Choose whether to receive product updates by email (y or n)
+6. **Human verification step** - GitHub presents a CAPTCHA puzzle. Screen reader users: look for an "Audio" or "Try an audio challenge" button. If neither is accessible, contact [support@bits-acb.org](mailto:support@bits-acb.org) and we will help
+7. Activate **Create account**
+8. GitHub sends a **launch code** to your email - copy it, return to the browser, and type it into the verification field. Check your spam folder if it does not arrive within a few minutes
+9. You will see a "Welcome to GitHub" personalization page - you can skip it
 
-The Zoom registration link will be posted here before the workshop. Check back soon or watch for an email at the address you provided in Step 1.
+After creating your account, check your email for a message from GitHub with the subject "Please verify your email address" and activate the link inside it.
 
-**Zoom accessibility notes:**
+**Enable two-factor authentication** (strongly recommended): Go to [github.com/settings/security](https://github.com/settings/security), find "Two-factor authentication," and activate "Enable." An authenticator app (Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, or Authy) is the most reliable option.
 
-- The [Zoom](https://zoom.us/) client works well with [NVDA](https://www.nvaccess.org/download/), [JAWS](https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/jaws/), and [VoiceOver](https://support.apple.com/guide/voiceover/welcome/mac)
+Once your account is ready, return to [Step 2](#step-2---sign-up-on-github) above to file your registration issue.
 
 ---
 
 ## What Happens Next
 
 Once you have completed both steps:
 
-1. You will see a confirmation comment on your GitHub issue (Step 1)
-2. You will receive a Zoom confirmation email (Step 2)
-3. Complete the [Pre-Workshop Setup Guide](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html) before March 6 - it covers GitHub account setup, screen reader configuration, VS Code, and GitHub Copilot
+1. You will receive a Zoom confirmation email (Step 1)
+2. You will see a confirmation comment on your GitHub issue (Step 2)
+3. Complete the [Pre-Workshop Setup Guide](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html) before March 6 - it covers GitHub account setup, screen reader configuration, [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/), and [GitHub Copilot](https://github.com/features/copilot)
 4. Questions? Email [support@bits-acb.org](mailto:support@bits-acb.org)
 
 ---
 
 ## While You Wait
 
 - [**Join the Discussion Forum**](https://github.com/BITS-ACB/git-going-with-github/discussions) - introduce yourself, ask questions, and connect with fellow participants before Day 1
-- [**Pre-Workshop Setup Guide**](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html) - get your GitHub account, screen reader, VS Code, and GitHub Copilot ready ahead of time
+- [**Pre-Workshop Setup Guide**](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html) - get your GitHub account, screen reader, [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/), and [GitHub Copilot](https://github.com/features/copilot) ready ahead of time
 - [**Workshop Home Page**](https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/) - full agenda, prerequisites, and everything you need to know
 - **Email:** [support@bits-acb.org](mailto:support@bits-acb.org) - we are here to help with anything

html/REGISTER.html

@@ -63,52 +63,68 @@ <h1>Register for GIT Going with GitHub</h1>
 <p>Registered: <span id="registration-count" aria-live="polite">loading...</span> out of 75 spots</p>
 <hr>
 <blockquote>
-<p><strong>Already registered?</strong> Complete the <a href="https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html"><strong>Pre-Workshop Setup Guide</strong></a> before March 6. It walks you through GitHub account setup, screen reader configuration, VS Code, and GitHub Copilot - with instructions for NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.</p>
+<p><strong>Already registered?</strong> Complete the <a href="https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html"><strong>Pre-Workshop Setup Guide</strong></a> before March 6. It walks you through GitHub account setup, screen reader configuration, <a href="https://code.visualstudio.com/">VS Code</a>, and <a href="https://github.com/features/copilot">GitHub Copilot</a> - with instructions for NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.</p>
 </blockquote>
 <hr>
-<h2>Step 1 - Sign Up on GitHub</h2>
+<h2>Step 1 - Register for the Zoom Session</h2>
+<p>Register for the Zoom session so you receive the meeting link before the workshop.</p>
+<blockquote>
+<p><a href="#zoom-link-coming-soon"><strong>Start Step 1 - Register on Zoom</strong></a></p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>The Zoom registration link will be posted here before the workshop. Check back soon or watch for an email after completing Step 2.</p>
+<p><strong>Zoom accessibility notes:</strong></p>
+<ul>
+<li>The <a href="https://zoom.us/">Zoom</a> client works well with <a href="https://www.nvaccess.org/download/">NVDA</a>, <a href="https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/jaws/">JAWS</a>, and <a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/voiceover/welcome/mac">VoiceOver</a></li>
+</ul>
+<hr>
+<h2>Step 2 - Sign Up on GitHub</h2>
 <p>File a GitHub issue to register. This is intentional - filing an issue is one of the first skills you will learn in this workshop, so you are already practicing.</p>
+<p>You must be signed into a <a href="https://github.com">GitHub</a> account to file the issue. If you do not have one yet, follow the instructions below to create one first.</p>
 <blockquote>
-<p><a href="https://github.com/BITS-ACB/git-going-with-github/issues/new?template=workshop-registration.yml&title=%5BREGISTER%5D+GIT+Going+with+GitHub+-+March+2026"><strong>Start Step 1 - File your registration issue</strong></a></p>
+<p><a href="https://github.com/BITS-ACB/git-going-with-github/issues/new?template=workshop-registration.yml&title=%5BREGISTER%5D+GIT+Going+with+GitHub+-+March+2026"><strong>Start Step 2 - File your registration issue</strong></a></p>
 </blockquote>
-<p>You will need a free GitHub account. If you do not have one yet, see the <a href="https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html">Pre-Workshop Setup Guide</a> for step-by-step instructions.</p>
 <p><strong>Note:</strong> The issue title is pre-filled and required by GitHub. You do not need to change it - just fill out the form fields below it and submit.</p>
 <p>The form asks for:</p>
 <ul>
 <li><strong>First Name</strong> (required) - your first name as you would like to be addressed during the workshop</li>
 <li><strong>Last Name</strong> (required)</li>
 <li><strong>Email Address</strong> (required) - we will use this to send you Zoom links and workshop materials before the event</li>
-<li><strong>GitHub Username</strong> (required) - the one that appears in your profile URL at github.com/your-username</li>
 <li><strong>GitHub Proficiency Level</strong> (required) - a dropdown from &quot;Brand new&quot; to &quot;Experienced&quot; so we can prepare the right level of support</li>
 <li><strong>Primary Screen Reader</strong> (optional) - which screen reader you primarily use (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, or other)</li>
 <li><strong>Questions or Accommodations</strong> (optional) - anything we should know or arrange before the workshop</li>
 </ul>
-<p>After you submit, you will receive an automated confirmation comment on your issue.</p>
+<p>After you submit, you will receive an automated confirmation comment on your issue. Your GitHub username is captured automatically - you do not need to enter it.</p>
 <hr>
-<h2>Step 2 - Register for the Zoom Session</h2>
-<p>After completing Step 1, register for the Zoom session so you receive the meeting link before the workshop.</p>
-<blockquote>
-<p><a href="#zoom-link-coming-soon"><strong>Start Step 2 - Register on Zoom</strong></a></p>
-</blockquote>
-<p>The Zoom registration link will be posted here before the workshop. Check back soon or watch for an email at the address you provided in Step 1.</p>
-<p><strong>Zoom accessibility notes:</strong></p>
-<ul>
-<li>The <a href="https://zoom.us/">Zoom</a> client works well with <a href="https://www.nvaccess.org/download/">NVDA</a>, <a href="https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/jaws/">JAWS</a>, and <a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/voiceover/welcome/mac">VoiceOver</a></li>
-</ul>
+<h3>Need a GitHub Account?</h3>
+<p>If you do not have a GitHub account yet, follow these steps:</p>
+<ol>
+<li>Open your browser and go to <a href="https://github.com/signup">github.com/signup</a></li>
+<li>Enter your <strong>email address</strong> and press Tab or activate Continue</li>
+<li>Create a <strong>password</strong> (at least 8 characters, 15+ recommended) and continue</li>
+<li>Choose a <strong>username</strong> - lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only. Keep it professional; it represents you in the open source community. GitHub will tell you immediately if the name is taken</li>
+<li>Choose whether to receive product updates by email (y or n)</li>
+<li><strong>Human verification step</strong> - GitHub presents a CAPTCHA puzzle. Screen reader users: look for an &quot;Audio&quot; or &quot;Try an audio challenge&quot; button. If neither is accessible, contact <a href="mailto:support@bits-acb.org">support@bits-acb.org</a> and we will help</li>
+<li>Activate <strong>Create account</strong></li>
+<li>GitHub sends a <strong>launch code</strong> to your email - copy it, return to the browser, and type it into the verification field. Check your spam folder if it does not arrive within a few minutes</li>
+<li>You will see a &quot;Welcome to GitHub&quot; personalization page - you can skip it</li>
+</ol>
+<p>After creating your account, check your email for a message from GitHub with the subject &quot;Please verify your email address&quot; and activate the link inside it.</p>
+<p><strong>Enable two-factor authentication</strong> (strongly recommended): Go to <a href="https://github.com/settings/security">github.com/settings/security</a>, find &quot;Two-factor authentication,&quot; and activate &quot;Enable.&quot; An authenticator app (Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, or Authy) is the most reliable option.</p>
+<p>Once your account is ready, return to <a href="#step-2---sign-up-on-github">Step 2</a> above to file your registration issue.</p>
 <hr>
 <h2>What Happens Next</h2>
 <p>Once you have completed both steps:</p>
 <ol>
-<li>You will see a confirmation comment on your GitHub issue (Step 1)</li>
-<li>You will receive a Zoom confirmation email (Step 2)</li>
-<li>Complete the <a href="https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html">Pre-Workshop Setup Guide</a> before March 6 - it covers GitHub account setup, screen reader configuration, VS Code, and GitHub Copilot</li>
+<li>You will receive a Zoom confirmation email (Step 1)</li>
+<li>You will see a confirmation comment on your GitHub issue (Step 2)</li>
+<li>Complete the <a href="https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html">Pre-Workshop Setup Guide</a> before March 6 - it covers GitHub account setup, screen reader configuration, <a href="https://code.visualstudio.com/">VS Code</a>, and <a href="https://github.com/features/copilot">GitHub Copilot</a></li>
 <li>Questions? Email <a href="mailto:support@bits-acb.org">support@bits-acb.org</a></li>
 </ol>
 <hr>
 <h2>While You Wait</h2>
 <ul>
 <li><a href="https://github.com/BITS-ACB/git-going-with-github/discussions"><strong>Join the Discussion Forum</strong></a> - introduce yourself, ask questions, and connect with fellow participants before Day 1</li>
-<li><a href="https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html"><strong>Pre-Workshop Setup Guide</strong></a> - get your GitHub account, screen reader, VS Code, and GitHub Copilot ready ahead of time</li>
+<li><a href="https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/COMING_SOON.html"><strong>Pre-Workshop Setup Guide</strong></a> - get your GitHub account, screen reader, <a href="https://code.visualstudio.com/">VS Code</a>, and <a href="https://github.com/features/copilot">GitHub Copilot</a> ready ahead of time</li>
 <li><a href="https://bits-acb.github.io/git-going-with-github/"><strong>Workshop Home Page</strong></a> - full agenda, prerequisites, and everything you need to know</li>
 <li><strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:support@bits-acb.org">support@bits-acb.org</a> - we are here to help with anything</li>
 </ul>