learning-hour-mcp

Generate Learning Hour content for Technical Coaches using AI. Create structured practice sessions that help development teams master technical excellence through the 4C Learning Model.

What is this?

An MCP server that helps Technical Coaches run Learning Hours - structured 60-minute practice sessions where teams improve their coding skills through deliberate practice. It generates session plans, code examples, and can even create interactive Miro boards.

Who is this for?

• Technical Coaches facilitating team learning sessions
• Team Leads wanting to improve their team's technical practices
• Developers organizing coding dojos or practice sessions

Installation

Prerequisites

1. Claude Desktop - Install the desktop app

2. Anthropic API Key - Sign up and create a key ($5 free credit for new accounts)

Complete Setup

Choose your preferred editor:

Claude Desktop

Add to your Claude Desktop configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "learning-hour": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "learning-hour-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "your-anthropic-key",
        "MIRO_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-miro-token-optional",
        "GITHUB_TOKEN": "your-github-token-optional"
      }
    }
  }
}

Configuration steps:

1. Open Claude Desktop settings (cmd/ctrl + ,)

2. Go to "Developer" → "Edit Config"

3. Paste the configuration above

4. Replace `your-anthropic-key` with your actual key

5. Save and restart Claude Desktop

VSCode

Add to your VSCode settings.json:

{
  "mcp.servers": {
    "learning-hour": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "learning-hour-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "your-anthropic-key",
        "MIRO_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-miro-token-optional",
        "GITHUB_TOKEN": "your-github-token-optional"
      }
    }
  }
}

Configuration steps:

1. Install the MCP VSCode Extension

2. Open settings.json (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+P → "Preferences: Open Settings (JSON)")

3. Add the configuration above

4. Replace tokens with your actual values

5. Reload VSCode window (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+P → "Developer: Reload Window")

Cursor

Add to your Cursor configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "learning-hour": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "learning-hour-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "your-anthropic-key",
        "MIRO_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-miro-token-optional",
        "GITHUB_TOKEN": "your-github-token-optional"
      }
    }
  }
}

Configuration steps:

1. Open Cursor settings (Cmd/Ctrl + ,)

2. Click on "Features" → "Claude" → "Advanced"

3. Add the MCP server configuration

4. Replace tokens with your actual values

5. Restart Cursor

Required: Only `ANTHROPIC_API_KEY` is required. The other tokens enable additional features.

Quick Start

After installation, try this in Claude:

> "Use the learning hour tools to create a session about the Extract Method refactoring"

Claude will generate a complete 60-minute session plan with:

• Opening connection activity
• Concept introduction
• Hands-on coding exercise
• Reflection and commitment

Available Tools

`generate_session`

Generate a complete Learning Hour session plan with activities following the 4C model (Connect, Concept, Concrete, Conclusion).

{
  "topic": "Feature Envy"
}

`generate_code_example`

Create before/after code examples for a specific topic.

{
  "topic": "Extract Method",
  "language": "typescript"
}

`create_miro_board`

Create a new Miro board or add frames to an existing board (requires `MIRO_ACCESS_TOKEN`).

{
  "sessionContent": { /* from generate_session */ },
  "existingBoardId": "optional-board-id"  // If provided, adds frames to existing board
}

`list_miro_boards`

List all Miro boards accessible with your token (requires `MIRO_ACCESS_TOKEN`).

{
  "limit": 50,  // Optional, max 50
  "cursor": "optional-pagination-cursor"
}

`get_miro_board`

Get details about a specific Miro board (requires `MIRO_ACCESS_TOKEN`).

{
  "boardId": "board-id-to-get"
}

`delete_miro_board`

Delete a Miro board (requires `MIRO_ACCESS_TOKEN`). Use with caution!

{
  "boardId": "board-id-to-delete",
  "confirm": true  // Required safety check
}

`analyze_repository`

Find real code examples in GitHub repositories (requires `GITHUB_TOKEN`).

`analyze_tech_stack`

Analyze a repository's technology stack to create team-specific content (requires `GITHUB_TOKEN`).

Optional Features

Enable Miro Board Creation

*Transform your Learning Hour into a visual, interactive workshop board*

Get a Miro token:

• Go to Miro Apps
• Create a new app (name it "Learning Hours")
• Copy the access token
• Add as `MIRO_ACCESS_TOKEN` in your config

Enable Repository Analysis

*Find real code examples from your team's actual codebase*

Create a GitHub Personal Access Token:

• Name: "Learning Hour MCP"
• Expiration: 90 days (recommended)
• Permissions: `repo` (read access)
• Add as `GITHUB_TOKEN` in your config

Learn More

• Diamante Technical Coaching - Refactor to Grow Newsletter
• SammanCoaching.org - Technical coaching resources and Learning Hour guides
• Learning Hours - Catalog of Learning Hour topics
• 4C Learning Model - Connect, Concept, Concrete, Conclusion
• Technical Coaching - Role and practices

Troubleshooting

"Tool not found" error: Make sure you restarted Claude Desktop after adding the configuration.

"Invalid API key": Check that you copied the entire key including any prefixes (sk-ant-...).

Miro board not creating: Check that your MIRO_ACCESS_TOKEN is valid and has board creation permissions.

Contributing

See CONTRIBUTING.md for development setup and guidelines.

License

MIT