Create Lab

Generate a structured lab session where students practice programming concepts through guided exercises and independent challenges.

Interactive Workflow

This command uses a numbered-option interactive workflow to gather requirements and create the lab.

Step 1: Course Selection

Ask the user which course this lab is for:

Which course is this lab for?

[1] C++ Fundamentals (Junior Developers)
[2] [Other configured courses...]

Please select an option by number:

Load the appropriate course profile based on selection.

Step 2: Chapter/Topic Input

Ask which chapters or topics the lab should reinforce:

Which chapters or topics should this lab reinforce?
(Provide chapter numbers or topic names, e.g., "Chapters 5-6" or "Pointers and References")

Read the specified chapters if available to analyze content.

Step 3: Topic Confirmation

Based on the chapters, analyze and present planned topics:

Based on [chapters specified], I plan to cover these concepts:
- [Concept 1 identified from chapter analysis]
- [Concept 2 identified from chapter analysis]
- [Concept 3 identified from chapter analysis]

[1] Accept these topics
[2] Add or modify topics

Please select an option:

Step 4: Lab Duration

Ask about time constraints:

How long should this lab be?

[1] 60 minutes (4 challenges)
[2] 90 minutes (6 challenges) - recommended
[3] 120 minutes (8 challenges)

Please select an option:

Step 5: Lab Format

What format should the lab take?

[1] Markdown with code blocks (for any editor)
[2] Jupyter Notebook (if Python or supported language)
[3] Project template (CMake/Makefile structure)

Please select an option:

Step 6: Save Location

Where should I save the lab?

[Suggested path based on course structure]

Please provide the directory path (or press Enter to use suggested path):

Step 7: Generate Lab

Create the lab following the course profile and content templates:

1. Structure the lab with Part A (guided) and Part B (independent)
2. Ensure all code compiles and runs
3. Include test cases for validation
4. Add appropriate scaffolding for the audience level
5. Create instructor solution guide separately

Step 8: Completion Message

Lab created successfully!

Location: [full path to created file]

Contents:
- Part A: Guided Practice ([X] minutes, [Y] sections)
- Part B: Independent Challenges ([X] minutes, [Y] challenges)
- Solution guide: [path to solutions]

Next steps:
1. Review the lab and make any necessary edits
2. Test all code examples compile and run correctly
3. Verify timing estimates are realistic

What the Agent Does

The course-architect agent will:

Planning Phase:

• Load appropriate course profile based on selection
• Analyze specified chapters to extract key concepts
• Identify topics requiring hands-on practice
• Determine appropriate difficulty progression
• Confirm all details with user using numbered options

Content Creation Phase:

• Generate lab following the exact structure required
• Create Part A with step-by-step guided examples
• Create Part B with progressive challenges
• Include test cases for each challenge
• Add hints at appropriate levels
• Ensure timing estimates are realistic

Quality Assurance:

• All code compiles without errors
• Test cases validate correct solutions
• Difficulty progression is appropriate
• Clear instructions at each step

Course-Specific Requirements

Systems Programming Courses (C++, Rust, etc.)

• All code must compile with standard flags
• Include memory diagrams where relevant
• Show expected output for all examples
• Include debugging exercises

Higher-Level Language Courses

• Focus on language idioms and patterns
• Include REPL-style exploration where appropriate
• Test-driven development integration

Skills Available to Agent

The agent has access to:

• pedagogy: General teaching principles for programming
• content-templates: Lab structure patterns
• courses/{course-name}: Course-specific context

Output

A complete lab document including:

• Learning objectives
• Setup instructions
• Part A: Guided practice sections with explanations
• Part B: Independent challenges with test cases
• Hints (progressively revealed)
• Solution guide (separate file)
• Wrap-up and reflection questions