Can it create slides locally instead of in the cloud?

While Google Slides is the recommended workflow for collaboration, the skill includes reference guides for generating Quarto reveal.js slides locally.

Does it only work for sociology content?

No. While developed by sociology experts, the instructional design principles and Google Slides automation tools are applicable to any academic or professional discipline.

What pedagogical frameworks does it use?

It follows evidence-based practices including Sweller’s Cognitive Load Theory, Mayer’s Multimedia Principles, and the ABT (And, But, Therefore) narrative structure.

Does this skill require extra setup?

Yes, it requires the Google Docs MCP server to be installed and configured with OAuth credentials to create Google Slides directly in your account.

Can I customize the slide content and layout?

Absolutely. The skill features multiple 'pause points' where it asks for instructor expertise and preferences before moving to the next phase of slide development.

Lecture Designer

Name: Lecture Designer
Author: nealcaren

bynealcaren

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Learning & Documentation

Transforms textbook chapters into evidence-based, engaging university lectures and automated Google Slides presentations.

About

Lecture Designer is a specialized Claude Code skill that streamlines the academic teaching process by converting complex readings into structured pedagogical experiences. It guides instructors through a systematic four-phase workflow—from defining measurable learning outcomes and crafting narrative arcs using the 'And, But, Therefore' (ABT) structure to designing active learning activities and generating visual slide decks via the Google Docs MCP. By integrating cognitive load theory and multimedia learning principles, this skill ensures that lectures are optimized for student retention and engagement rather than just content coverage.

Key Features

4 GitHub stars
Cognitive load management based on Sweller’s and Mayer’s principles
Pedagogical narrative design using the 'And, But, Therefore' (ABT) framework
Active learning design featuring pre-built polls and ConcepTests
Automated Google Slides generation via Google Docs MCP integration
Step-by-step workflow for learning outcomes, content audits, and instructor guides

Use Cases

Modernizing existing teaching notes into visually streamlined and accessible Google Slides
Designing a new course module with built-in active learning pauses and state changes
Converting a dense textbook chapter into a 75-minute interactive university lecture

About

Key Features

4 GitHub stars
Cognitive load management based on Sweller’s and Mayer’s principles
Pedagogical narrative design using the 'And, But, Therefore' (ABT) framework
Active learning design featuring pre-built polls and ConcepTests
Automated Google Slides generation via Google Docs MCP integration
Step-by-step workflow for learning outcomes, content audits, and instructor guides

Use Cases

Modernizing existing teaching notes into visually streamlined and accessible Google Slides
Designing a new course module with built-in active learning pauses and state changes
Converting a dense textbook chapter into a 75-minute interactive university lecture