Course Outline
Phase 1 — Getting Started with Claude Code — 30 minutes
- An overview of Claude and what distinguishes Claude Code from standard chat features
- Quick orientation: we will use the Claude app today (web or desktop); the CLI and other interfaces are detailed in the reference card
- Interface walkthrough: starting a coding session and understanding the workspace
- How Claude Code operates: the describe → plan → act → review cycle
- Understanding permissions: why Claude seeks approval before creating files or running code
- Your first creation: asking Claude to generate a simple styled webpage from a one-sentence description
- Refining results: requests like “make the header larger,” “change the color scheme,” or “add a navigation bar”
- Guided exercise: participants begin a session and build a personalized “About Me” webpage, refining it through follow-up instructions
Objective: Ensure everyone overcomes the initial interaction barrier and feels at ease with the interface.
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 2 — Creating Practical Solutions with Plain English — 55 minutes
Three progressively complex tasks using only natural language prompts.
- Task 1 — Interactive dashboard: A styled dashboard featuring sample data, charts, and statistics. Practice providing design direction such as “use a dark theme,” “add a sidebar,” or “make it responsive.”
- Task 2 — Data analysis: Provide a sample CSV file and ask Claude to summarize it, identify trends, find highs/lows, and generate a visual chart. This demonstrates Claude writing and executing code on your behalf.
- Task 3 — Automation tool: Build a simple utility such as a unit converter, quiz app, or budget calculator. This introduces the concept that Claude can create interactive tools, not just static pages.
After each task, the instructor explains the behind-the-scenes actions: files created, code written, and how to interpret the output. Participants record their best prompts in a shared Prompt Playbook.
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 3 — Optimizing Your Use of Claude Code — 35 minutes
- The art of effective prompting: specific versus vague instructions
- Live demonstration: A side-by-side comparison of weak and strong prompts applied to the same task
- Iteration and refinement: Asking Claude to explain choices, undo changes, or try a different approach
- Working with uploaded files: Requests like “read this document and summarize it” or “convert this spreadsheet into a chart”
- Multi-step workflows: Chaining requests to create complex outputs
- Understanding costs and usage: How tokens, context windows, and subscription tiers function
- When to choose Claude Code versus regular Claude chat
- Guided exercise: Participants extend a Phase 2 project with a new feature using a multi-step prompt, then compare the before-and-after prompts to identify the key differences
Objective: Progress from “it works” to “I can consistently achieve great results.”
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 4 — Integrating Claude with Your Tools via MCP — 34 minutes
Pre-class: Participants received email instructions to connect Gmail or Google Drive before the session, allowing classroom time to focus on utilizing the connection rather than authentication.
- What is MCP (Model Context Protocol)? The universal plug system for AI tools
- Why MCP is important: Transforming Claude from a chat assistant into a connected workflow hub
- The Connectors Directory: Browsing and adding integrations directly within the Claude app
- Desktop Extensions: One-click installs (for Claude Desktop users)
- Live demo (one workflow): “Check my Google Calendar for tomorrow’s meetings and draft a prep email for each one”
- Guided exercise: Participants use their pre-connected service (or connect one live) to assign a task to Claude — e.g., “Read my recent emails about project updates and create a summary document”
- Key concepts: OAuth, permissions, managing tool access per conversation, security awareness, and locating new connectors
Objective: Help participants view Claude as a connective layer, not just a coding tool.
Phase 5 — Capstone & Final Summary — 35 minutes
Capstone mini-project (25 min): Each participant selects one scenario:
- A polished landing page or portfolio site
- A data analysis pipeline: uploading a file, analyzing it, and producing a visual report
- An interactive tool solving a real problem from their workflow
- A connected workflow: pulling data from the service connected in Phase 4, transforming it, and producing a deliverable
The instructor circulates, assists with prompt refinement, and highlights standout examples.
Summary (10 min):
- Next steps: Claude Code CLI for terminal users, VS Code extension for developers, and Cowork for knowledge workers
- Plans: Free vs. Pro vs. Max — what each unlocks and which suits specific use cases
- Recommended resources: Official documentation, Anthropic’s prompt engineering guide, and community channels
- Participants take home a reference card covering prompting patterns, connector setup, and useful MCP integrations
Requirements
Requirements
Knowledge of
- Basic computer skills: navigating files and folders, using a web browser, and installing applications
- A general understanding of AI assistant capabilities (e.g., having previously used ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude casually is beneficial, though not mandatory)
Experience with
- No coding, programming, or terminal experience is needed. This course is tailored for individuals who have never written code before.
- No prior exposure to Claude or other AI tools is required.
Technical specifications
- Participants should bring a laptop (Mac, Windows, or Linux) equipped with a current web browser
- A reliable internet connection
- A Claude Pro subscription for the duration of the session (a 1-month complimentary subscription is included with course registration; setup instructions are provided before class)
- Claude Desktop is suggested but not mandatory (the web app at claude.ai is adequate for all exercises)
- A Google account is recommended for the MCP connector exercises (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar), though alternative connector options exist
Target Audience
- Business professionals aiming to enhance productivity and automation with AI
- Marketers, operations managers, and analysts seeking to automate repetitive duties
- Founders and entrepreneurs looking to build prototypes without employing a developer
- Educators and researchers exploring AI-supported workflows
- Individuals with no technical background who are curious about Claude’s capabilities
Testimonials (1)
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