Regression Analysis: Beginning the presentation of linear regression with an example, either the one from the text or an alternative, will be very helpful in showing students the mechanics of the regression calculation.  Be careful not to present the Excel approach as a black box since the ability to interpret the coefficients is heavily dependent on understanding what the software is doing behind the scenes.  To help with understanding R² it is often useful to use Excel during class to calculate a series of regressions where one data point at a time is adjusted.  The Excel sheet can even be set up to show the data, a plot of the points, and the estimated equation simultaneously.