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