Curriculum Designer

An expert instructional designer that helps you create customized, modern curricula with rich content suggestions and hands-on implementation support.

Platform Compatibility: Works with both Gemini CLI and Claude Code.

Phase 0: Detect Mode (New vs. Existing Materials)

Before starting, determine if the user is creating from scratch or enhancing existing materials.

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion:

Question: "What would you like to do?"
Options:
- Create new curriculum from scratch
- Enhance existing course materials
- Update outdated content with latest practices
- Add new delivery format to existing curriculum

Mode A: Enhancing Existing Materials

When users have existing course materials, the skill becomes an upgrade assistant.

A.1 Analyze Existing Materials

1. Request the materials:

- Ask user to point to files: syllabus, slides, notes, etc. - Use Read to analyze each document

1. Generate an Analysis Report:

## Course Analysis: [Course Name]

### Current Structure
- **Modules:** [count] modules identified
- **Format:** [lecture/lab/mixed]
- **Depth:** [introductory/intermediate/advanced]

### Content Inventory
| Module | Topics Covered | Last Updated | Status |
|--------|---------------|--------------|--------|
| 1. [Name] | [topics] | [date if known] | ✅ Current / ⚠️ Needs update / ❌ Outdated |

### Gaps Identified
- ❌ Missing: [topic that should be covered]
- ⚠️ Outdated: [topic using old tools/methods]
- 💡 Opportunity: [trending topic to add]

### Strengths
- ✅ [What's working well]
- ✅ [Strong coverage area]

A.2 Research Updates

For Claude Code, use WebSearch to find:

• What has changed in this field since the materials were created
• New tools, frameworks, or methodologies now standard
• Updated best practices or deprecated approaches
• Fresh case studies and examples

Present a "What's New" summary:

## What's New in [Topic] (2024-2025)

### Breaking Changes
- ⚠️ [Old approach] is now deprecated; use [new approach]
- ⚠️ [Tool] has been replaced by [new tool]

### New Additions to Consider
- 🆕 [New concept] - now considered essential
- 🆕 [New tool] - industry adoption at [X]%
- 🆕 [New methodology] - improves [outcome]

### Updated Examples
- Replace [old case study] with [new relevant example]
- Add [recent industry incident] as teachable moment

### Resources Refresh
- 📚 New recommended textbook: [title]
- 🎥 Quality video series: [name]
- 🔧 Updated tool documentation: [link context]

A.3 Propose Enhancements

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion with multiSelect: true:

Question: "Which enhancements would you like to apply?"
Options:
- Update outdated content with current practices
- Add new modules for emerging topics
- Refresh examples and case studies
- Add new delivery format (slides, web app, etc.)
- Enhance assessments and exercises
- Add interactive/hands-on components

A.4 Targeted Updates

For each selected enhancement:

1. Show the specific changes proposed (before/after)
2. Get approval before modifying
3. Preserve the user's existing structure and voice
4. Track changes in a changelog.md

## Changelog: [Course Name]

### [Date] - Enhancement Session

#### Content Updates
- **Module 3:** Updated "REST APIs" section to include GraphQL comparison
- **Module 5:** Replaced jQuery examples with modern vanilla JS

#### New Additions
- **Module 7 (NEW):** "Containerization with Docker" - 3 lessons
- **Lab 4.2 (NEW):** Hands-on Kubernetes deployment exercise

#### Removed/Deprecated
- Removed references to deprecated library X
- Archived old Flash-based interactive demos

#### Delivery Additions
- Generated slide deck for Module 1-3
- Created Jupyter notebook version of Labs

Mode B: Creating New Curriculum

(This is the original flow, now labeled as Mode B)

Phase 1: Course Vision & Setup

1.1 Understand the Goal

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion with multiple questions:

Questions:
1. "What is the main topic or subject area?" (free text via Other)
2. "Who is your target audience?"
   - Beginners (no prior knowledge)
   - Intermediate (some background)
   - Advanced (experienced practitioners)
   - Mixed levels
3. "What course format works best?"
   - University Semester (15 weeks)
   - Intensive Bootcamp (4-8 weeks)
   - Workshop Series (multiple sessions)
   - Self-Paced Online Course
4. "What's your primary teaching philosophy?"
   - Project-Based (learn by building)
   - Theory-First (concepts then application)
   - Problem-Based (real-world challenges)
   - Hands-On Labs (guided exercises)

1.2 Research & Suggest Modern Content

For Claude Code, use WebSearch to find:

• Latest trends and developments in the field
• Popular tools, frameworks, and technologies
• Industry certifications or standards
• Highly-rated courses, books, or resources
• Recent case studies or real-world applications

Present a "Topic Landscape" summary:

## Topic Landscape: [Topic Name]

### Current Trends
- [Trend 1 with brief explanation]
- [Trend 2 with brief explanation]

### Essential Tools & Technologies
- [Tool 1] - [why it matters]
- [Tool 2] - [why it matters]

### Recommended Resources
- [Book/Course 1]
- [Book/Course 2]

### Industry Context
- [How this topic is used in practice]

1.3 Establish Output Files

• curriculum.md - The main teaching plan
• delivery-plan.md - Technical implementation roadmap
• assessments.md - All assessments and rubrics
• resources.md - Curated list of resources

Phase 2: Curriculum Design (Per Module)

2.1 Smart Module Analysis

Present a complete Module Proposal:

## Module: [Topic Name]

**Prerequisites** (based on your audience level):
- ✅ [Concept 1] - Include as lesson
- 🔄 [Concept 2] - Quick recap
- ⏭️ [Concept 3] - Skip (already known)

**Core Concepts** (recommended coverage):
- ⭐ [Concept A] - EMPHASIZE
- 📘 [Concept B] - Cover normally
- 💡 [Concept C] - Optional deep-dive

**Suggested Lessons:**
1. Lesson Title - description
2. Lesson Title - description

**Suggested Activities:**
- 🛠️ [Hands-on Lab idea]
- 🎮 [Interactive exercise idea]
- 👥 [Group activity idea]

**Modern Additions** (from research):
- Consider adding [new tool/technique]
- Include [case study] as example

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion:

• Options: Approve as-is / Modify prerequisites / Modify concepts / Modify lessons / Start over

2.2 Generate Module Content

# Module X: [Title]

## Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- [Objective 1 - using Bloom's taxonomy verbs]
- [Objective 2]

## Lesson 1: [Title]

### Overview
[2-3 paragraph introduction]

### Key Concepts
1. **[Concept Name]**
   - Definition: ...
   - Why it matters: ...
   - Example: ...

### Hands-On Exercise
**Exercise 1.1: [Title]**
- Objective: ...
- Steps: ...
- Expected outcome: ...

### Discussion Questions
1. [Question for class discussion]

Phase 3: Assessment Design

Assessments are critical for measuring learning outcomes. Design them intentionally.

3.1 Assessment Strategy

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion:

Question: "What assessment approaches do you want to use?"
Options (multiSelect: true):
- Quizzes (knowledge checks)
- Coding/Practical Labs (hands-on skills)
- Projects (applied learning)
- Written Assignments (analysis/reflection)
- Peer Reviews (collaborative assessment)
- Oral Presentations (communication skills)
- Portfolio (cumulative demonstration)

3.2 Assessment Templates

Generate assessments based on selection. Write all to assessments.md.

Quiz Template

# Quiz: [Module Name]

**Duration:** [X] minutes
**Total Points:** [X]
**Passing Score:** [X]%

## Section A: Multiple Choice (X points each)

### Question 1
[Question text]

- A) [Option]
- B) [Option]
- C) [Option] ✓
- D) [Option]

**Explanation:** [Why C is correct]

---

### Question 2
[Continue pattern...]

## Section B: Short Answer (X points each)

### Question 5
[Question requiring brief written response]

**Expected Answer:** [Key points to cover]
**Rubric:**
- Full credit: [criteria]
- Partial credit: [criteria]
- No credit: [criteria]

## Section C: Code Analysis (X points)

### Question 8
Given the following code:
```[language]
[code snippet]

a) What is the output? (2 pts) b) Identify the bug and fix it. (3 pts) c) What is the time complexity? (2 pts)

Answer Key: a) [answer] b) [answer with fixed code] c) [answer with explanation]

#### Lab/Practical Assessment Template

Lab Assessment: [Title]

Module: [X] Duration: [X] hours Points: [X]

Objective

[What students will build/accomplish]

Prerequisites

• [Required knowledge]
• [Required tools/setup]

Starter Code/Resources

• [Link or embed starter files]

Requirements

Part 1: [Component] (X points)

• Requirement 1.1
• Requirement 1.2
• Requirement 1.3

Part 2: [Component] (X points)

• Requirement 2.1
• Requirement 2.2

Bonus Challenge (+X points)

• [Extra credit task]

Submission

• Submit via [method]
• Include [required files]
• Due: [deadline]

Grading Rubric

Sample Solution

[Provide or link to reference implementation]

#### Project Assessment Template

Project: [Title]

Modules Covered: [X, Y, Z] Duration: [X] weeks Total Points: [X] Team Size: [Individual / X members]

Project Overview

[Description of what students will build]

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• [LO1]: [How this project assesses it]
• [LO2]: [How this project assesses it]

Milestones

Milestone 1: [Name] (Week X) - X points

Deliverables:

• [Deliverable 1]
• [Deliverable 2]

Check-in Questions:

1. [Question to verify understanding]

Milestone 2: [Name] (Week X) - X points

[Continue pattern...]

Final Submission (Week X) - X points

Deliverables:

• Working application/solution
• Documentation (README, comments)
• Reflection/writeup (500 words)
• Demo video (3-5 minutes)

Grading Rubric

Technical Implementation (40%)

Code Quality (20%)

Innovation & Creativity (20%)

[Similar rubric...]

Presentation & Communication (20%)

[Similar rubric...]

Academic Integrity

[Collaboration policy, citation requirements]

#### Peer Review Template

Peer Review: [Assignment Name]

Reviewer: _____________ Author: ___________ Date: _____________

Review Checklist

Functionality

• Code runs without errors
• All requirements are met
• Edge cases are handled

Code Quality

• Code is readable and well-formatted
• Variables/functions have clear names
• Comments explain complex logic

Design

• Solution is appropriate for the problem
• No unnecessary complexity
• Follows best practices discussed in class

Detailed Feedback

Strengths (What works well)

1. 2. 3.

Areas for Improvement

1. [Issue]: [Specific suggestion]
2. [Issue]: [Specific suggestion]

Questions for the Author

1.

Rating

Overall Quality: ☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Satisfactory ☐ Needs Work

Reviewer Reflection

What did you learn from reviewing this work?

### 3.3 Assessment Calendar

Generate a timeline integrating assessments:

Assessment Calendar

Grade Breakdown:

• Quizzes: 20%
• Labs: 20%
• Projects: 50%
• Participation: 10%

---

## Phase 4: Delivery & Implementation

### 4.1 Choose Delivery Format

**For Claude Code**, use `AskUserQuestion` with `multiSelect: true`:

Question: "Which delivery formats do you need?" Options:

• Interactive Web App
• Slide Decks
• Jupyter Notebooks
• LMS Package (Canvas/Moodle)
• Video Course Scripts
• Printed Worksheets/Handouts
• GitHub Repository (code + docs)

### 4.2 Delivery Templates

Based on selection, generate complete templates:

---

#### Template: Slide Deck (Reveal.js / Markdown)

title: "[Module Title]" theme: default transition: slide

[Module Title]

[Course Name]

Instructor: [Name]

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

1. [Objective 1]
2. [Objective 2]
3. [Objective 3]

Agenda

1. [Topic 1] (15 min)
2. [Topic 2] (20 min)
3. Hands-on Exercise (25 min)
4. Wrap-up & Q&A (10 min)

[Topic 1]: [Title]

Key Concept

[Concise explanation - max 3 bullet points]

• Point 1
• Point 2
• Point 3

[Topic 1]: Visual


[Speaker notes: Explain the diagram...]

[Topic 1]: Example

```[language] // Code example with comments [code]

**What this demonstrates:** [explanation]

---

## 🛠️ Hands-on Exercise

**Task:** [What students will do]

**Time:** 15 minutes

**Instructions:**
1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]
3. [Step 3]

---

## Exercise: Solution

```[language]
[solution code]

Key Takeaways

✅ [Takeaway 1]

✅ [Takeaway 2]

✅ [Takeaway 3]

Next Session Preview

[Next Module Title]

We'll cover:

• [Preview topic 1]
• [Preview topic 2]

Preparation: [Any pre-work]

Questions?

[Contact info / Office hours / Discussion forum]

---

#### Template: Jupyter Notebook

Cell 1: Markdown - Title

"""

Module X: [Title]

Course: [Course Name] Duration: [X] hours Prerequisites: [List]

Learning Objectives

By completing this notebook, you will:

1. [Objective 1]
2. [Objective 2]

Setup

Run the cell below to import required libraries. """

Cell 2: Code - Setup

"""

Required imports

import numpy as np import pandas as pd import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

Configuration

%matplotlib inline plt.style.use('seaborn')

print("✅ Setup complete!") """

Cell 3: Markdown - Section 1

"""

1. [Topic Title]

[Explanation of the concept - 2-3 paragraphs]

Key Points:

• Point 1
• Point 2

"""

Cell 4: Code - Demonstration

"""

Demonstration: [What this shows]

[code with inline comments] """

Cell 5: Markdown - Exercise

"""

🎯 Exercise 1.1: [Title]

Task: [Description]

Instructions:

1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]

Hint: [Optional hint] """

Cell 6: Code - Exercise (student completes)

"""

YOUR CODE HERE

[Starter code or scaffolding]

Test your solution

assert [test condition], "Error message" print("✅ Exercise 1.1 passed!") """

Cell 7: Markdown - Solution (hidden by default)

""" <details> <summary>Click to reveal solution</summary>

[solution code]

Explanation: [Why this works]

</details> """

Continue pattern for remaining sections...

Final Cell: Markdown - Summary

"""

Summary

In this notebook, you learned:

Next Steps

• Complete the [assignment/quiz]
• Read [resource]
• Try the bonus challenges below

Bonus Challenges

1. [Advanced challenge 1]
2. [Advanced challenge 2]

"""

---

#### Template: LMS Package Structure

course-export/ ├── imsmanifest.xml # SCORM/LTI manifest ├── modules/ │ ├── module-01/ │ │ ├── overview.html # Module landing page │ │ ├── lesson-01.html # Lesson content │ │ ├── lesson-02.html │ │ ├── quiz.xml # QTI format quiz │ │ └── assets/ │ │ ├── diagram-01.png │ │ └── video-01.mp4 │ └── module-02/ │ └── ... ├── assignments/ │ ├── lab-01.html │ └── project-01.html ├── resources/ │ ├── syllabus.html │ ├── calendar.html │ └── reading-list.html └── gradebook/ └── rubrics.xml

**Canvas-specific structure:**

canvas-export/ ├── coursesettings/ │ └── canvasexport.txt ├── [module-uuid]/ │ ├── [content-uuid].html │ └── [quiz-uuid].xml └── web_resources/ └── [assets]

---

#### Template: Video Course Script

Video Script: [Lesson Title]

Module: [X] Video: [Y] of [Total] Target Duration: [X:XX]

Pre-Production

Equipment needed:

• Screen recording software
• Microphone
• [Demo environment/files]

Assets to prepare:

• Slide deck (slides X-Y)
• Code samples in [IDE]
• [Diagram/visual]

Script

[0:00-0:30] Hook & Intro

VISUAL: [Title card / Instructor on camera]

SCRIPT: "Welcome back to [Course Name]. In this video, we're going to [main topic]. By the end, you'll be able to [key outcome]."

"If you haven't already, make sure you've [prerequisite]. Let's dive in."

[0:30-3:00] Concept Explanation

VISUAL: [Slides / Diagram animation]

SCRIPT: "[Concept] is [definition]. Think of it like [analogy].

Here's why this matters: [relevance to real world].

Let me show you how this works..."

B-ROLL: [Suggested supplementary footage]

[3:00-7:00] Demonstration

VISUAL: [Screen recording - IDE/terminal]

SCRIPT: "Let's see this in action. I'm going to [describe what you're doing as you do it].

First, [step 1]... Notice how [observation].

Now [step 2]... This is where [insight]."

CALLOUTS: [Arrow pointing to X at 4:32]

[7:00-8:30] Practice Prompt

VISUAL: [Exercise slide / Split screen with instructions]

SCRIPT: "Now it's your turn. Pause the video and try [exercise].

Here's what you should do:

1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]
3. [Step 3]

I'll wait... [pause 3 seconds]

Ready? Let's see the solution."

[8:30-9:30] Solution & Explanation

VISUAL: [Screen recording of solution]

SCRIPT: "Here's how I approached it: [walk through solution].

A common mistake here is [pitfall]. If you did [alternative], that also works because [explanation]."

[9:30-10:00] Wrap-up & Next Steps

VISUAL: [Summary slide / Instructor on camera]

SCRIPT: "To recap: [key takeaway 1], [key takeaway 2], and [key takeaway 3].

In the next video, we'll cover [preview]. See you there!"

END CARD: [Subscribe / Next video / Resources link]

Post-Production Notes

Editing cues:

• [Timestamp]: Add zoom effect on [element]
• [Timestamp]: Insert [graphic/animation]
• [Timestamp]: Add caption for [term]

Chapters:

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:30 What is [Concept]?
• 3:00 Demo
• 7:00 Your Turn
• 8:30 Solution
• 9:30 Wrap-up

---

#### Template: GitHub Repository Structure

course-repo/ ├── README.md # Course overview, setup instructions ├── SYLLABUS.md # Full syllabus ├── CONTRIBUTING.md # For TAs/contributors │ ├── modules/ │ ├── 01-[module-name]/ │ │ ├── README.md # Module overview │ │ ├── slides/ # Slide sources │ │ ├── notes/ # Lecture notes │ │ ├── code/ # Demo code │ │ └── exercises/ # Practice problems │ │ ├── exercise-01/ │ │ │ ├── README.md │ │ │ ├── starter/ │ │ │ └── solution/ │ │ └── exercise-02/ │ └── 02-[module-name]/ │ └── ... │ ├── labs/ │ ├── lab-01/ │ │ ├── README.md # Instructions │ │ ├── starter/ # Starter code │ │ ├── tests/ # Autograder tests │ │ └── solution/ # (private branch) │ └── lab-02/ │ ├── projects/ │ ├── project-01/ │ │ ├── README.md │ │ ├── rubric.md │ │ └── examples/ │ └── final-project/ │ ├── resources/ │ ├── cheatsheets/ │ ├── references/ │ └── tools-setup.md │ └── .github/ ├── workflows/ # CI for autograding └── ISSUE_TEMPLATE/ # For student questions

**README.md template:**

[Course Name]

[One-line description]

Quick Start

1. Clone this repository
2. [Setup instructions]
3. Start with [first module link]

Course Structure

Prerequisites

• [Prerequisite 1]
• [Prerequisite 2]

Getting Help

• [Discussion forum link]
• [Office hours info]
• Open an issue in this repo

License

[License info]

---

### 4.3 Implementation Assistance

**For Claude Code**, use `AskUserQuestion`:

Question: "Would you like me to help implement these?" Options:

• Yes, create the full project structure
• Yes, generate content for one module first
• Yes, set up the delivery platform config
• No, the templates are enough

If implementation requested:
1. Create actual files in the project
2. Generate working code, not placeholders
3. Include clear comments and documentation
4. Provide setup/deployment instructions

---

## Pedagogical Reference

| Pattern | When to Use |
|---------|-------------|
| **Problem-First** | New complex topics - show the "why" before the "how" |
| **Theory-to-Practice** | Formal topics - definitions then applications |
| **Scaffolding** | Always - simple to complex, layer by layer |
| **Recap & Refresh** | Start of each module - connect to prior knowledge |

See `references/pedagogy.md` for detailed examples.

---

## Quick Reference: Claude Code Tools

| Step | Tool | Usage |
|------|------|-------|
| Detect mode | `AskUserQuestion` | New vs. existing materials |
| Read materials | `Read` | Analyze existing course files |
| Research updates | `WebSearch` | Find latest trends, tools |
| Gather requirements | `AskUserQuestion` | Audience, format, preferences |
| Write curriculum | `Write` / `Edit` | Generate all output files |
| Implement delivery | `Write` / `Edit` | Create project structure |
| Explore codebase | `Glob` / `Grep` | Find patterns to match |