Course Outline
Phase 1 — Introduction to Claude Code — 30 minutes
- Overview of Claude and what distinguishes Claude Code from standard chat interactions
- Initial orientation: utilizing the Claude app (web or desktop) today; the CLI and other interfaces are detailed in the reference card
- Interface overview: initiating a coding session and understanding the workspace
- How Claude Code operates: the describe → plan → act → review cycle
- Understanding permissions: why Claude seeks confirmation before creating files or executing code
- First project: requesting Claude to generate a simple styled webpage from a single-sentence description
- Refining results: using prompts like “make the header larger,” “adjust the color scheme,” or “add a navigation bar”
- Guided Activity: 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 feels comfortable with the interface.
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 2 — Creating Practical Solutions with Plain English — 55 minutes
Three progressively complex tasks completed using only natural language prompts.
- Task 1 — Interactive Dashboard: Create a styled dashboard with sample data, charts, and statistics. Practice providing design direction: “apply a dark theme,” “add a sidebar,” “make it responsive.”
- Task 2 — Data Analysis: Upload a sample CSV, ask Claude to summarize, identify trends, highlight highs/lows, and generate a visual chart. This demonstrates Claude writing and executing code on your behalf.
- Task 3 — Automation Utility: Build a simple tool such as a unit converter, quiz app, or budget calculator. This introduces the concept that Claude can create interactive tools, not just static pages.
Following each task, the instructor explains the background processes: 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 Claude Code Usage — 35 minutes
- The art of effective prompting: distinguishing between specific and vague instructions
- Live demonstration: comparing weak and strong prompts side-by-side on the same task
- Iteration and refinement: asking Claude to explain choices, revert changes, or try alternative approaches
- Working with uploaded files: “read this document and summarize it,” “convert this spreadsheet into a chart”
- Multi-step workflows: chaining requests to build complex outputs
- Understanding costs and usage: how tokens, context windows, and subscription tiers function
- Determining when to use Claude Code versus standard Claude chat
- Guided Activity: Participants extend a Phase 2 project with a new feature using a multi-step prompt, then compare before-and-after prompts to identify key differences
Objective: Progress 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 were sent instructions to connect Gmail or Google Drive before the session, allowing class time to focus on utilization rather than authentication.
- Understanding MCP (Model Context Protocol): The universal connection 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 Demonstration (one workflow): “Check my Google Calendar for tomorrow’s meetings and draft a preparation email for each one”
- Guided Activity: 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 finding new connectors
Objective: Participants view Claude as a connective layer, not just a coding tool.
Phase 5 — Capstone & Conclusion — 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 generate a visual report
- An interactive tool solving a specific problem from their workflow
- A connected workflow: pull data from the service connected in Phase 4, process it, and produce a deliverable
The instructor circulates to assist with prompt refinement and highlights exceptional examples.
Conclusion (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 — understanding what each tier offers and which suits specific 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
Prerequisites
General Understanding
- Basic computer skills: navigating files and folders, browsing the web, and installing software
- Familiarity with the concept of AI assistants (prior casual use of ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude is beneficial but not mandatory)
Experience Level
- No coding, programming, or terminal experience is necessary. This course is specifically tailored for individuals who have never written code.
- Prior experience with Claude or any other AI tool is not required.
Technical Setup
- Bring a laptop (Mac, Windows, or Linux) equipped with a current web browser
- A reliable internet connection
- A Claude Pro subscription for the session (a one-month gift subscription is included with registration; setup guidance will be provided in advance)
- Claude Desktop is suggested but optional (the web interface at claude.ai is fully sufficient for all activities)
- A Google account is recommended for the MCP connectors activity (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar), though other connector options are available
Target Audience
- Business professionals seeking to enhance productivity and automation through AI
- Marketing specialists, operations managers, and analysts aiming to automate repetitive duties
- Founders and entrepreneurs wishing to create prototypes without hiring developers
- Educators and researchers interested in 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
