Introduction to Claude Code for Non-Developers Training Course

Phase 1 — Introduction to Claude Code (30 minutes)

• Overview of Claude’s capabilities and the distinct functionality of Claude Code compared to standard conversational interfaces
• Session orientation: Utilization of the Claude application (web or desktop); command-line interface (CLI) and alternative access points are detailed in the reference materials
• Interface navigation: Initiating coding sessions and understanding the workspace environment
• Operational framework: The describe, plan, act, and review cycle inherent to Claude Code
• Safety and permissions: Protocols regarding file creation and code execution authorization
• Initial implementation: Generating a basic styled webpage from a concise textual description
• Refinement processes: Modifying design elements, including header dimensions, color palettes, and navigation structures
• Instructor-led exercise: Participants initiate a session to construct a personalized “About Me” webpage, refining the output through iterative instructions

Objective: Ensure all participants overcome initial usage barriers and achieve proficiency with the interface.

Break — 7 minutes

Phase 2 — Developing Functional Applications via Natural Language (55 minutes)

Execution of three progressively complex tasks utilizing natural language prompts exclusively.

• Task 1 — Interactive Dashboard: Creation of a styled dashboard featuring sample data, visualizations, and statistics. Participants practice providing design directives, such as implementing dark themes, adding sidebars, or ensuring responsive design.
• Task 2 — Data Analysis: Provision of sample CSV data for summarization, trend identification, extremum detection, and visualization generation. This demonstrates Claude’s capacity to write and execute code autonomously.
• Task 3 — Automation Utility: Development of a functional utility, such as a unit converter, quiz application, or budget calculator. This introduces the concept of creating interactive tools beyond static web pages.

Following each task, the instructor clarifies backend operations, including file generation and code structure, guiding participants in interpreting output. Participants document effective prompts in a shared Prompt Playbook.

Break — 7 minutes

Phase 3 — Optimizing Efficiency with Claude Code (35 minutes)

• Prompt engineering principles: Distinguishing between specific and ambiguous instructions
• Live demonstration: Comparative analysis of effective versus ineffective prompts for identical tasks
• Iterative refinement: Techniques for requesting explanations, reverting changes, or exploring alternative methodologies
• File integration: Utilizing uploaded documents for summarization or converting spreadsheets into visual formats
• Multi-step workflows: Chaining requests to generate complex outputs
• Usage metrics: Understanding token consumption, context windows, and subscription tier implications for government and enterprise applications
• Differentiation: Appropriate use cases for Claude Code versus standard Claude chat
• Instructor-led exercise: Participants extend a Phase 2 project with a new feature using a multi-step prompt, comparing before-and-after prompts to identify success factors

Objective: Transition participants from basic functionality to consistent, high-quality results.

Break — 7 minutes

Phase 4 — Integrating Claude with External Tools via MCP (34 minutes)

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

• Model Context Protocol (MCP): Overview of this universal integration standard for AI tools
• Strategic value of MCP: Transforming Claude from a conversational assistant into a connected workflow hub
• Connectors Directory: Navigating and installing integrations directly within the Claude application
• Desktop Extensions: One-click installation options for Claude Desktop users
• Live demonstration: Executing a workflow to retrieve tomorrow’s calendar entries and draft preparatory emails
• Instructor-led exercise: Participants utilize their pre-connected service (or establish one live) to perform tasks, such as summarizing recent project update emails into a document
• Core concepts: OAuth protocols, permission management, per-conversation tool access, security awareness, and locating additional connectors

Objective: Position Claude as a connective layer across systems, extending beyond its role as a coding tool.

Phase 5 — Capstone Project and Conclusion (35 minutes)

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

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 inefficiency
4. A connected workflow: Retrieving data from a Phase 4 service, transforming it, and generating a deliverable

Instructors provide guidance on prompt refinement and showcase exemplary outcomes.

Conclusion (10 minutes):

• Next steps: Exploration of Claude Code CLI for terminal users, the VS Code extension for developers, and Cowork for knowledge workers
• Subscription overview: Differentiating between Free, Pro, and Max tiers based on functional requirements and use cases
• Recommended resources: Official documentation, Anthropic’s prompt engineering guide, and community channels
• Distribution of a reference card detailing prompting patterns, connector setup procedures, and key MCP integrations