Course Outline
Phase 1 — Introducing Claude Code — 30 minutes
- An overview of Claude and the distinctions between Claude Code and standard chat interfaces
- Initial orientation: Using the Claude app (web or desktop) for the session; CLI and other interfaces are detailed in the reference card
- Interface overview: Initiating a coding session and understanding the workspace
- The Claude Code workflow: The describe → plan → act → review cycle
- Understanding permissions: Why Claude requests confirmation before creating files or executing code
- Initial build: Instructing Claude to create a simple styled webpage from a single-sentence description
- Refining results: Adjusting headers, changing color schemes, and adding navigation bars
- Guided exercise: Participants initiate a session and build a personalized “About Me” webpage, refining the output through follow-up instructions
Objective: Overcome initial interaction barriers and ensure comfort with the interface.
Break — 7 minutes
Phase 2 — Creating Practical Solutions with Plain English — 55 minutes
Three progressively complex tasks completed exclusively with natural language prompts.
- Task 1 — Interactive dashboard: Designing a styled dashboard with sample data, charts, and statistics. Practice providing design direction such as “use a dark theme,” “add a sidebar,” and “make it responsive.”
- Task 2 — Data analysis: Providing a sample CSV and requesting Claude to summarize, identify trends, determine highs and lows, and generate visual charts. 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 create interactive tools, not just static pages.
Following each task, the instructor will highlight the behind-the-scenes actions taken by Claude, including files created, code written, and how to interpret the output. Participants will 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: Specific versus vague instructions
- Live demonstration: Side-by-side comparison of weak and strong prompts for the same task
- Iteration and refinement: Requesting Claude to explain choices, undo changes, or try alternative approaches
- Working with uploaded files: Requests such as “read this document and summarize it” or “convert this spreadsheet into a chart”
- Multi-step workflows: Chaining requests to build complex outputs
- Understanding cost and usage: Insights into 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 compare before-and-after prompts to identify the differentiating factors
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 received instructions via email to connect Gmail or Google Drive prior to the session, allowing classroom time to focus on utilizing the connection rather than authentication.
- Definition of MCP (Model Context Protocol): The universal integration system for AI tools
- The importance of MCP: Evolving Claude from a chat assistant into a connected workflow hub
- Connectors Directory: Browsing and adding integrations directly within the Claude app
- Desktop Extensions: One-click installations for Claude Desktop users
- Live demonstration (single 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, such as “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 perceive 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: 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 will circulate to assist with prompt refinement and showcase 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 which fits specific use cases
- Recommended resources: Official documentation, Anthropic’s prompt engineering guide, and community channels
- Participants will receive a reference card covering prompting patterns, connector setup, and useful MCP integrations
Requirements
Requirements
Understanding of
- Basic computer proficiency: navigating file systems, utilizing web browsers, and installing software
- A general familiarity with AI assistant capabilities (e.g., having casually used ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude is beneficial context, though not mandatory)
Experience with
- There is no requirement for coding, programming, or terminal experience. This course is tailored for individuals who have never written a line of code.
- No prior familiarity with Claude or other AI tools is necessary.
Technical Requirements
- Participants should bring a laptop (Mac, Windows, or Linux) equipped with a modern web browser
- A stable internet connection
- A Claude Pro subscription for the session (a 1-month complimentary subscription is included with course registration; setup instructions will be sent prior to class)
- Claude Desktop is recommended but not mandatory (the web application at claude.ai is sufficient for all exercises)
- A Google account is recommended for the MCP connectors exercise (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar), although alternative connector options are available
Audience
- Business professionals seeking to enhance productivity and automation through AI
- Marketers, operations managers, and analysts aiming to automate repetitive tasks
- Founders and entrepreneurs looking to build prototypes without hiring a developer
- Educators and researchers exploring AI-assisted workflows
- Any individual without a technical background who is curious about what Claude can build
Testimonials (2)
The session was highly interactive and applicable to the business.
Jorge Boscan - Chevron Global Technology Services Company
Course - Advanced GitHub Copilot & AI for Projects and Infrastructure
Machine Translated
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
