Course Outline
Phase 1 — Introduction to Claude Code — 30 minutes
- Understanding what Claude is and how Claude Code differs from standard chat interfaces
- Quick orientation: utilizing the Claude app today (web or desktop); the CLI and other interfaces are detailed in the reference card
- Interface tour: initiating a coding session and navigating the workspace
- Claude Code’s thought process: the describe → plan → act → review loop
- Permissions explained: why Claude requests approval before creating files or executing code
- Your first build: instructing Claude to create a simple styled webpage from a one-sentence description
- Refining results: commands such as “increase the header size,” “change the color scheme,” or “add a navigation bar”
- Guided exercise: participants start a session and construct a personalized “About Me” webpage, refining it through follow-up instructions
Objective: ensure everyone overcomes the initial interaction barrier and becomes comfortable with the interface.
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 2 — Constructing Real Projects with Plain English — 55 minutes
Three progressively complex tasks completed using only natural language prompts.
- Task 1 — Interactive dashboard: styled dashboard with sample data, charts, and statistics. Practice providing design direction: “apply a dark theme,” “add a sidebar,” or “make it responsive.”
- Task 2 — Data analysis: provide a sample CSV file, request a summary, trend identification, highs/lows detection, and visual chart generation. This demonstrates Claude’s ability to write and execute 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 highlights behind-the-scenes actions: files created, code written, and how to interpret outputs. Participants document their most effective prompts in a shared Prompt Playbook.
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 3 — Optimizing Efficiency with Claude Code — 35 minutes
- The art of effective prompting: distinguishing between specific and vague instructions
- Live demo: side-by-side comparison of weak versus strong prompts for the same task
- Iterating and refining: asking Claude to explain decisions, undo changes, or explore alternative approaches
- Handling uploaded files: commands like “read this document and summarize it” or “convert this spreadsheet into a chart”
- Multi-step workflows: chaining requests to generate complex outputs
- Understanding costs and usage: how tokens, context windows, and subscription tiers operate
- Differentiating when to use Claude Code versus standard Claude chat
- Guided exercise: participants extend one of their Phase 2 projects with a new feature using a multi-step prompt, then compare before-and-after prompts to identify what drove the improvement
Objective: elevate skills from “it works” to “I can consistently achieve excellent results.”
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 4 — Integrating Claude with Your Tools via MCP — 34 minutes
Pre-class preparation: participants receive email instructions to connect Gmail or Google Drive before the session, allowing classroom time to focus on usage rather than authentication.
- What is MCP (Model Context Protocol)? The universal integration system for AI tools
- Why MCP matters: 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 installations 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 Claude a task — e.g., “Review 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 & Wrap-Up — 35 minutes
Capstone mini-project (25 min): Each participant selects one scenario:
- A polished landing page or portfolio site
- A data analysis pipeline: upload a file, analyze it, and produce a visual report
- An interactive tool addressing a real problem in their workflow
- A connected workflow: pull data from the service connected in Phase 4, transform it, and produce a deliverable
The instructor circulates to assist with prompt refinement and showcases standout examples.
Wrap-up (10 min):
- Next steps: Claude Code CLI for terminal users, VS Code extension for developers, and Cowork for knowledge workers
- Subscription plans: Free vs. Pro vs. Max — features unlocked by each tier and recommended use cases
- Recommended resources: official documentation, Anthropic’s prompt engineering guide, and community channels
- Participants receive a reference card covering prompting patterns, connector setup, and useful MCP integrations
Requirements
Requirements
Essential Knowledge
- Basic computer literacy: ability to navigate files and folders, use a web browser, and install applications
- General awareness of AI assistants' functions (e.g., casual use of ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude provides helpful context but is not mandatory)
Required Experience
- No coding, programming, or terminal experience is needed. This course is tailored for individuals who have never written code.
- Previous experience with Claude or any other AI tool is not required.
Technical Requirements
- A laptop (Mac, Windows, or Linux) equipped with a modern web browser
- A stable internet connection
- A Claude Pro subscription for the session duration (a one-month gift subscription is included with registration; setup instructions are provided prior to the class)
- Claude Desktop is recommended but optional (the web app at claude.ai supports all exercises)
- A Google account is suggested for MCP connector exercises (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar), though alternative connectors are available
Target Audience
- Business professionals aiming to leverage AI for productivity and automation
- Marketers, operations managers, and analysts seeking to automate repetitive tasks
- Founders and entrepreneurs wishing to build prototypes without hiring developers
- Educators and researchers exploring AI-assisted workflows
- Anyone curious about Claude’s capabilities who lacks a technical background
Testimonials (1)
That i gained a knowledge regarding streamlit library from python and for sure i'll try to use it to improve applications in my team which are made in R shiny
