Claude Code for instructional designers

Claude Code is an AI tool from Anthropic, the company that makes Claude, that can make learning games, scenarios and interactive pages in a folder on your computer. You describe what you want in your own words.

If you've heard that Claude Code is for developers, I get it. Even Anthropic describes it as a coding tool. You'll see code go by, but you don't have to write it.

If you want to build real learning things and would rather not learn to program first, this is where I'd start. I'm Rachel, an instructional designer too. My first lesson is free. To follow along, you'll need a paid Claude plan (Pro is enough).

Try the free first lesson

What is Claude Code?

Instead of chatting with Claude and copying answers into another tool, you give Claude Code a folder on your computer and describe what you want. Claude makes and changes the files in that folder for you.

Then you open what it made, try it, and ask for changes in plain words until it's right.

Do I need to know how to code, or use the terminal?

No. (A terminal is an app where you type short commands. You won't need it.) The Claude desktop app has Claude Code built in. Anthropic's own guide says the desktop app lets you have Claude work on a folder on your computer and review its changes "without using a terminal."

What do I need to start?

  • A Mac or Windows computer where you can install apps.
  • A paid Claude plan: Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise. The free plan doesn't include Claude Code.
  • The Claude desktop app. Claude Code lives inside it, behind a tab called Code.

If you're on a work laptop, check with your IT team first. A locked-down work computer may not let you install it.

What can an instructional designer build with it?

Here's what I build with it, and what I teach:

  • Short learning games. Deadline Run is a short office game about a phishing scam. In Game Lab Academy, learners start by changing it with Claude Code, then build their own game.
  • Scenarios. You can save a scenario brief as a Claude Code skill: a saved set of instructions Claude can follow. Then each new scenario draft starts from the same rules and sources. Here's how I set one up.
  • Pages you can publish and share with a link. In my free workshops, you can change a real starter game with Claude Code and publish your own version to share.
  • Files for your LMS. The games I build from my templates can go out as a hosted link (a web address you share), a web object ZIP or a SCORM 2004 ZIP. I'd test the package in your own LMS first. If you're not sure which one you need, I explain xAPI and SCORM in plain language here.

If you're curious what Claude Code can help build for L&D, you can play some of the games I've been making with it here. Some of the art and voices come from other tools.

Deadline Run gameplay: the short office game learners change first

Is it safe to let Claude change my files?

Claude Code works on the files in the folder you give it, and it can change them. Here are three things I'd do:

  • Start in a new folder, or a copy. Never your only copy of real work.
  • Use Manual mode. In Manual, Claude shows you each change and waits for your yes before making it. The Star lesson shows you where to turn it on.
  • Play through what it made yourself. Claude can make a mistake, and you're the one who knows what the learner should see.

How do I start?

Start with my free first lesson, How to Make a Star. In about an hour, you install the desktop app, open the Code tab and make a small game with nothing but your words.

Open How to Make a Star

I also run free live workshops on Zoom from time to time. Between them, you can watch a free replay and build along with the starter files.

My next one is Tuesday, October 13, 7 to 8:30 PM ET, on Zoom. You can watch first.

See the workshop and register free

See workshops and the free replay

What if I want someone to guide me?

Game Lab Academy is my course for instructional designers who are new to Claude Code. You build your own playable learning game over six weeks, with a 30-minute one-on-one coaching call each week.

It's $500, one payment. Your six weeks start the day you join. Your Claude plan is separate.

See Game Lab Academy

Not sure it fits? Book a free 20-minute call

Building for a whole L&D team? See what I do for teams

Hope this saves you a few “wait, do I have to learn to code first?” moments.

Rachel