Introduction to Claude Code for Non-Developers Training Course

Phase 1 — Introduction to Claude Code — 30 minutes

• An overview of Claude and the distinctions that set Claude Code apart from standard chat interfaces
• Quick orientation: The session utilizes the Claude app (web or desktop); the CLI and other interfaces are detailed in the reference card
• Interface walkthrough: Initiating a coding session and navigating the workspace
• Understanding the Claude Code logic: The describe → plan → act → review cycle
• Permissions management: Reasons why Claude requests confirmation before creating files or executing code
• First build: Instructing Claude to generate a simple styled webpage from a single-sentence description
• Refining results: Applying instructions such as “make the header larger,” “adjust the color scheme,” or “add a navigation bar”
• Guided exercise: Participants initiate a session to build a personalized “About Me” webpage, refining the output through follow-up directives

Objective: Overcome initial interaction barriers and establish comfort with the interface.

Break — 7 minutes

Phase 2 — Creating Real Applications with Plain English — 55 minutes

Three tasks of increasing complexity, accomplished using only natural language prompts.

• Task 1 — Interactive Dashboard: Constructing a styled dashboard featuring sample data, charts, and statistics. Participants practice providing design direction, such as “use a dark theme,” “add a sidebar,” or “ensure responsiveness.”
• Task 2 — Data Analysis: Providing a sample CSV file and requesting Claude to summarize data, identify trends, locate highs/lows, and generate visual charts. This demonstrates Claude writing and executing code on the user’s behalf.
• Task 3 — Automation Utility: Developing 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 behind-the-scenes actions, including files created and code written, and guides participants on how to interpret the output. Participants will document their most effective prompts in a shared Prompt Playbook.

Break — 7 minutes

Phase 3 — Optimizing Workflows with Claude Code — 35 minutes

• The art of effective prompting: Distinguishing between specific and vague instructions
• Live demonstration: A side-by-side comparison of weak and strong prompts applied to the same task
• Iteration and refinement: Requesting explanations for choices, undoing changes, or exploring alternative approaches
• Handling uploaded files: Instructions such as “read this document and summarize it” or “convert this spreadsheet into a chart”
• Multi-step workflows: Chaining requests to generate complex outputs
• Cost and usage awareness: Understanding tokens, context windows, and subscription tiers
• Decision making: When to utilize Claude Code versus standard Claude chat
• Guided exercise: Participants expand a Phase 2 project by adding a new feature via a multi-step prompt, then compare pre- and post-improvement prompts to identify key differences

Objective: Progress from basic functionality 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 emailed instructions to connect Gmail or Google Drive prior to the session, allowing classroom time to focus on utilizing the connection rather than handling authentication.

• Introduction to MCP (Model Context Protocol): The universal integration system for AI tools
• The value of MCP: Transforming Claude from a chat assistant into a centralized workflow hub
• The Connectors Directory: Exploring and adding integrations directly within the Claude app
• Desktop Extensions: One-click installations (for Claude Desktop users)
• Live demonstration (single workflow): “Review my Google Calendar for tomorrow’s meetings and draft a preparation email for each one”
• Guided exercise: Participants utilize their pre-connected service (or establish a connection live) to assign tasks to Claude, for example, “Read my recent emails regarding project updates and create a summary document”
• Key concepts: OAuth, permissions, managing tool access per conversation, security awareness, and locating new connectors

Objective: Participants recognize Claude as a connective layer, extending beyond a simple coding tool.

Phase 5 — Capstone & 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 generating a visual report
3. An interactive tool addressing a real-world problem in their workflow
4. A connected workflow: Retrieving data from a Phase 4 service, transforming it, and producing a final deliverable

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

Conclusion (10 min):

• Next steps: Claude Code CLI for terminal users, the VS Code extension for developers, and Cowork for knowledge workers
• Subscription plans: Free vs. Pro vs. Max — detailing features unlocked and suitable use cases for each
• 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