Overview
Module: Module 5: Workflow Automation (n8n)
Activity type: Lesson (Orient → Recall → Learn → Explain → Reflect)
Learning objective: Given a lab-only Docker network, the learner can run n8n, build an RSS digest workflow explaining item cardinality, and require human approval before any mutating Keep Agent / SSH action.
Bloom level: Apply / Evaluate
Mastery unlock for this topic: reading done + Feynman complete + quiz ≥80% (when scored) + lab gate + homework submitted
Learning objective
Given a lab-only Docker network, the learner can run n8n, build an RSS digest workflow explaining item cardinality, and require human approval before any mutating Keep Agent / SSH action.
Why this matters
Automation without approval gates turns small mistakes into fast, wide damage: especially when agents can run commands.
Prior-knowledge check
Answer briefly before reading Instruction. Wrong answers are useful: they show what to review.
- What is a workflow node?
- Why might one RSS item become five messages?
- What must never be committed to git?
Learn
Complete the module reading first:
Then review the worked example inside that reading (I do).
Guided practice (We do)
We do: hints allowed. Check your reasoning against Instruction.
Trace item count through a sample RSS → split → notify path with assistance.
Feynman teach-back: required
Required. Do not skip.
Explain
Describe why n8n automations need cardinality awareness and approval gates in your own words. No copying the lesson verbatim.
Simplify
Explain the same idea to a 12-year-old. If you use a technical word, define it.
Example
Analogy: a mail merge that accidentally sends 500 letters: vs a draft folder that waits for your stamp.
Weak spot
What part was hard to explain? That is where your understanding is thin.
Retry
Return to that part of Instruction, restudy it, then rewrite a clearer explanation below.
Mastery note: a completed Feynman teach-back is required before the next class unlocks: “I get it” without explanation does not count.
Answers save in this browser (localStorage). Completing all five fields is part of the mastery unlock.
Reflection
Where could your workflow mutate something accidentally, and what gate stops it?
Also answer:
- What did I learn?
- What did I struggle with?
- How does this connect to earlier classes?
Spiral hook
Capstone expects guarded automation evidence. Infrastructure classes (2–4) and security (10) are prerequisites for doing this safely.