This course teaches participants how to use Google Gemini to research, write, analyze information, automate recurring tasks, and build a personalized AI workflow using tools such as Gems, Deep Research, NotebookLM, and Google Workspace.
Overview
Syllabus
Module 1: Getting Started with Claude AI
- Explain how Claude works in plain language.
- Identify the model tiers, plans, and key parts of the claude.ai interface.
- Practice starting a first conversation with Claude.
Module 2: Prompting Fundamentals & Working with Files
- Identify the core parts of an effective prompt, including context, task, format, constraints, and examples.
- Apply prompting across writing, summarization, analysis, research, and creative problem-solving.
- Work with images, PDFs, spreadsheets, screenshots, and handwritten notes in Claude.
Module 3: Projects — Organizing Ongoing Work
- Explain how Projects use custom instructions, knowledge bases, and RAG to organize ongoing work.
- Write effective Project instructions for real workplace tasks.
- Create a Project using real work documents.
Module 4: Artifacts, Skills, and Memory
- Create reusable deliverables with Artifacts.
- Customize how Claude communicates using Skills, custom instructions, and persistent context with Memory.
- Apply usage management tips to extend plan value.
Module 5: Intermediate Prompting & Advanced Features
- Use role-based prompting, chain-of-thought, and multi-step workflows.
- Apply advanced features such as web search, Extended Thinking, and the “You Ask Me” technique.
- Practice advanced prompting with real work scenarios.
Module 6: Claude vs. Other AI Tools
- Compare Claude with tools such as Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT.
- Choose the right tool for different types of work.
- Recognize data privacy considerations and organizational AI policies.
Module 7: Introduction to Claude Cowork
- Explain what Claude Cowork is and how it differs from claude.ai.
- Read, write, and manage files from the desktop environment.
- Complete a first Cowork task.
Module 8: Building Your Context System
- Build three foundational files: about-me, brand-voice, and working-style.
- Distinguish between Global Instructions and Folder Instructions.
- Use the AskUserQuestion workflow to improve context and outputs.
Module 9: Guardrails, Permissions, and Safe Use
- Configure file access controls, network egress, and privacy settings.
- Recognize prompt injection risks and mitigation strategies.
- Set up safety settings for secure use.
Module 10: Connectors, Claude for Chrome, and Office Add-Ins
- Connect tools such as Slack, Google Drive, Gmail, and more through MCP.
- Use Claude for Chrome, Claude for Excel, and Claude for PowerPoint.
- Build a multi-tool workflow across connected applications.
Module 11: Plugins and Scheduled Tasks
- Install domain-specific Plugins for functions such as Data, Marketing, HR, Finance, and Project Management.
- Use slash commands and recurring automations.
- Create a Scheduled Task and test a Plugin workflow.
Module 12: Industry Applications
- Apply Claude across role-specific scenarios in Data, Marketing, HR, Operations, Project Management, and Finance.
- Complete practical workflows using real files.
- Adapt Claude workflows to different job functions.
Module 13: Capstone — Build Your Personal Claude System
- Audit job tasks and identify high-value Claude use cases.
- Configure a personal Claude system and connect relevant tools.
- Run a complete end-to-end workflow that produces a real deliverable.
Module 14: Wrap-Up and Next Steps
- Review Claude’s limitations and available resources.
- Create a Week 1 action plan for applying what was learned.
- Identify next steps for continued use and improvement.
Taught by
Reid Johnson, David Nguyen, and David Sellers