Introduction to Claude Code for Non-Developers Training Course

Phase 1 — Introduction to Claude Code — 30 minutes

• Overview of Claude and the distinct advantages of Claude Code over standard chat interfaces
• Orientation: utilizing the Claude app (web or desktop) for this session; CLI and other interfaces are detailed in the reference guide
• Interface walkthrough: initiating a coding session and navigating the workspace
• The logic of Claude Code: the describe → plan → act → review cycle
• Permission management: understanding why Claude seeks approval before generating files or executing code
• First project: instructing Claude to generate a simple, styled webpage from a single-sentence description
• Refining outputs: adjusting elements such as headers, color schemes, and navigation bars
• Guided Practice: participants launch a session to create a personalized "About Me" page, refining it through iterative instructions

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

Break — 7 minutes

Phase 2 — Creating Functional Solutions with Natural Language — 55 minutes

Three increasingly complex tasks achieved solely through natural language prompts.

• Task 1 — Interactive Dashboard: Create a styled dashboard with sample data, charts, and statistics. Practice providing design direction, such as applying a dark theme, adding a sidebar, or ensuring responsiveness.
• Task 2 — Data Analysis: Provide a sample CSV file and ask Claude to summarize it, identify trends, highlight peaks and troughs, and generate a visual chart. This demonstrates Claude’s ability to write and execute code on your behalf.
• Task 3 — Automation Utility: Build a simple tool, such as a unit converter, quiz application, or budget calculator. This illustrates 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 — Advanced Techniques with Claude Code — 35 minutes

• Prompting best practices: distinguishing between specific and vague instructions
• Live demonstration: comparing weak versus strong prompts on the same task side-by-side
• Iterative refinement: requesting explanations of choices, reverting changes, or exploring alternative approaches
• File handling: commands like "read and summarize this document" or "convert this spreadsheet into a chart"
• Multi-step workflows: chaining requests to generate complex outputs
• Resource management: understanding tokens, context windows, and subscription tiers
• Determining when to use Claude Code versus standard Claude chat
• Guided Practice: participants enhance a Phase 2 project by adding a new feature via a multi-step prompt, then analyze the prompt differences to understand their impact

Objective: Progress from basic functionality to achieving consistently high-quality results.

Break — 7 minutes

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

Pre-class preparation: Participants receive instructions to connect Gmail or Google Drive in advance, allowing class time to focus on utilizing the connection rather than authentication.

• Understanding MCP (Model Context Protocol): The universal integration standard for AI tools
• The value of MCP: Transforming Claude from a chat assistant into a central workflow hub
• The Connectors Directory: Discovering 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 preparation email for each one"
• Guided Practice: Participants use their pre-connected service (or connect one during class) to assign a task to Claude, such as "Read my recent project update emails and create a summary document"
• Core concepts: OAuth, permissions, managing tool access per conversation, security considerations, and locating new connectors

Objective: Participants view Claude as a connective layer rather than merely a coding tool.

Phase 5 — Capstone & Conclusion — 35 minutes

Capstone Mini-Project (25 min): Each participant selects one scenario:

1. A polished landing page or portfolio site
2. A data analysis pipeline: uploading a file, analyzing it, and generating a visual report
3. An interactive tool solving a specific problem within their workflow
4. A connected workflow: extracting data from the service integrated in Phase 4, transforming it, and producing a final deliverable

The instructor will circulate to assist with prompt refinement and highlight exceptional examples.

Conclusion (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 the features and ideal use cases for each
• Recommended resources: official documentation, Anthropic’s prompt engineering guide, and community channels
• Participants will receive a reference card detailing prompting patterns, connector setup, and useful MCP integrations