Introduction to Claude Code for Non-Developers Training Course

Phase 1 — Introduction to Claude Code — 30 minutes

• Defining Claude and distinguishing Claude Code from standard chat interactions
• Initial orientation: utilizing the Claude application (web or desktop) for this session; CLI and other interfaces are detailed in the reference materials
• Interface exploration: initiating a coding session and navigating the workspace
• The cognitive process of Claude Code: the describe → plan → act → review cycle
• Permissions framework: understanding why Claude seeks confirmation before generating files or executing code
• First project: instructing Claude to generate a simple styled webpage from a single-sentence prompt
• Refining outcomes: issuing commands such as “enlarge the header,” “modify the color palette,” or “insert a navigation bar”
• Guided practical session: participants initiate a session to create a personalized “About Me” webpage, iterating through follow-up directives

Objective: Ensure all participants overcome the initial learning curve and feel at ease with the interface.

Break — 7 minutes

Phase 2 — Creating Practical Applications with Natural Language — 55 minutes

Three tasks of increasing complexity, executed exclusively through natural language prompts.

• Task 1 — Interactive dashboard: Developing a styled dashboard with sample data, charts, and statistics. Practice providing design instructions such as “apply a dark theme,” “include a sidebar,” or “ensure responsive design.”
• Task 2 — Data analysis: Submitting a sample CSV file for Claude to summarize, identify trends, detect highs and lows, and generate visual charts. This illustrates Claude’s ability to write and run code on your behalf.
• Task 3 — Automation utility: Constructing a simple tool, such as a unit converter, quiz application, or budget calculator. This introduces the concept that Claude can create interactive tools, not just static pages.

Following each task, the instructor will explain the backend processes: files generated, 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 Workflows with Claude Code — 35 minutes

• Prompting best practices: distinguishing between specific and vague instructions
• Live demonstration: a comparative analysis of weak versus strong prompts applied to the same task
• Iteration and refinement: requesting explanations of choices, reverting changes, or exploring alternative methods
• Managing uploaded files: instructing Claude to “summarize this document” or “transform this spreadsheet into a chart”
• Multi-stage workflows: sequencing requests to generate complex outputs
• Understanding costs and usage: an overview of tokens, context windows, and subscription tiers
• Differentiating use cases: When to select Claude Code versus standard Claude chat
• Guided practical session: participants enhance a Phase 2 project by adding a new feature via a multi-step prompt, then analyze the impact of prompt variations

Objective: Progress from functional basics to consistently achieving high-quality results.

Break — 7 minutes

Phase 4 — Integrating Claude with Your Tools via MCP — 34 minutes

Pre-class preparation: Participants received instructions prior to the session to link Gmail or Google Drive, ensuring classroom time is dedicated to utilization rather than authentication.

• Understanding MCP (Model Context Protocol): The universal integration standard for AI tools
• The value of MCP: Evolving Claude from a chat assistant into a connected workflow hub
• The Connectors Directory: Exploring and adding integrations directly within the Claude application
• Desktop Extensions: One-click installations for Claude Desktop users
• Live demonstration (single workflow): “Review tomorrow’s Google Calendar meetings and draft preparation emails for each”
• Guided practical session: participants assign tasks to Claude using a pre-linked service (or connect one live), for example: “Analyze my recent emails regarding project updates and generate a summary document”
• Core concepts: OAuth, permissions, managing tool access per conversation, security considerations, and locating new connectors

Objective: Participants will perceive Claude as an integrative layer, rather than merely a coding utility.

Phase 5 — Capstone Project & Conclusion — 35 minutes

Capstone mini-project (25 min): Each participant selects one of the following scenarios:

1. A polished landing page or portfolio site
2. A data analysis pipeline: uploading a file, analyzing it, and producing a visual report
3. An interactive tool addressing a specific workflow challenge
4. A connected workflow: retrieving data from a service linked in Phase 4, transforming it, and generating a final deliverable

The instructor will provide ongoing support, assist with prompt refinement, and highlight exemplary work.

Conclusion (10 min):

• Next steps: Exploring the Claude Code CLI for terminal users, the VS Code extension for developers, and Cowork for knowledge workers
• Subscription plans: Comparing Free, Pro, and Max tiers to understand capabilities and appropriate use cases
• Recommended resources: Official documentation, Anthropic’s prompt engineering guide, and community forums
• Takeaways: Participants will receive a reference card detailing prompting strategies, connector configuration, and key MCP integrations