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
- Claude Desktop - Install the desktop app
- 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:
- Open Claude Desktop settings (cmd/ctrl + ,)
- Go to "Developer" → "Edit Config"
- Paste the configuration above
- Replace
your-anthropic-keywith your actual key - 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:
- Install the MCP VSCode Extension
- Open settings.json (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+P → "Preferences: Open Settings (JSON)")
- Add the configuration above
- Replace tokens with your actual values
- 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:
- Open Cursor settings (Cmd/Ctrl + ,)
- Click on "Features" → "Claude" → "Advanced"
- Add the MCP server configuration
- Replace tokens with your actual values
- 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_TOKENin 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_TOKENin 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