Course Outline
Phase 1 — Introduction to Claude Code — 30 minutes
- An overview of Claude and the distinctions between Claude Code and standard chat
- Initial orientation: using the Claude app (web or desktop); the CLI and other interfaces are detailed in the reference card
- Interface walkthrough: initiating a coding session and understanding the workspace
- Claude Code's logic: the describe → plan → act → review cycle
- Permission management: why Claude seeks confirmation before creating files or executing code
- First project: generating a simple styled webpage from a single-sentence description
- Refining results: adjusting elements such as “make the header larger,” “update the color scheme,” or “add a navigation bar”
- Guided exercise: participants launch a session and create a personalized “About Me” webpage, refining it through follow-up prompts
Objective: Ensure all participants overcome the initial interaction barrier and become comfortable with the interface.
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 2 — Creating Real Solutions with Plain English — 55 minutes
Three progressively complex tasks performed using only natural language prompts.
- Task 1 — Interactive dashboard: Creating a styled dashboard with sample data, charts, and statistics. Practice providing design direction like “apply a dark theme,” “add a sidebar,” or “make it responsive.”
- Task 2 — Data analysis: Providing a sample CSV file and asking Claude to summarize data, identify trends, highlight highs and lows, and generate a visual chart. This demonstrates Claude writing and executing code on your behalf.
- Task 3 — Automation tool: Building a simple utility such as a unit converter, quiz app, or budget calculator. This introduces the concept that Claude can build interactive tools, not just static pages.
Following each task, the instructor explains the behind-the-scenes actions, such as files created, code written, and how to interpret the output. Participants record their most effective prompts in a shared Prompt Playbook.
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 3 — Optimizing Workflow with Claude Code — 35 minutes
- The art of effective prompting: comparing specific versus vague instructions
- Live demonstration: Side-by-side comparison of weak and strong prompts for the same task
- Iteration and refinement: Instructing Claude to explain choices, revert changes, or try alternative approaches
- Processing uploaded files: Commands like “read this document and summarize it” or “convert this spreadsheet into a chart”
- Multi-step workflows: Chaining requests to create complex outputs
- Cost and usage awareness: Understanding tokens, context windows, and subscription tiers
- Distinguishing when to use Claude Code versus regular Claude chat
- Guided exercise: Participants extend a Phase 2 project with a new feature using a multi-step prompt, then analyze before-and-after prompts to identify key differences
Objective: Elevate skills from “it works” to achieving consistently high-quality results.
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 4 — Integrating Claude with Your Tools via MCP — 34 minutes
Pre-class preparation: Participants received instructions to connect Gmail or Google Drive beforehand, allowing classroom time to focus on using the connection rather than authentication.
- What is MCP (Model Context Protocol)? A universal plug-and-play system for AI tools
- The value of MCP: 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 a task — for example, “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: Participants will view Claude as a connective layer, not just a coding tool.
Phase 5 — Capstone Project & Conclusion — 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 specific problem from their workflow
- A connected workflow: Pulling data from a Phase 4 service, transforming it, and producing a deliverable
The instructor circulates to assist with prompt refinement and highlights 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 — understanding what each unlocks and their ideal 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
Basic Understanding
- General computer literacy, including file and folder navigation, web browsing, and application installation
- A general awareness of AI assistant capabilities (prior casual use of ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude is beneficial but not mandatory)
Experience Level
- No prior coding, programming, or terminal experience is necessary. This course is tailored for individuals who have never written code.
- No previous exposure to Claude or other AI tools is required.
Technical Needs
- A laptop (Mac, Windows, or Linux) equipped with a modern web browser
- A stable internet connection
- A Claude Pro subscription for the session (included via a 1-month gift subscription with registration; setup instructions will be sent in advance)
- Claude Desktop is suggested but optional, as the web app at claude.ai is sufficient for all activities
- A Google account is recommended for the MCP connectors exercise (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar), though alternative connector options exist
Target Audience
- Business professionals aiming to enhance productivity and automation through AI
- Marketers, operations managers, and analysts seeking to automate repetitive tasks
- Founders and entrepreneurs who wish to build prototypes without hiring developers
- Educators and researchers exploring AI-assisted workflows
- Individuals curious about Claude's capabilities who lack 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
