The afternoon focuses on a hands-on “Prompt-a-Thon” where participants work in small teams to identify a workplace challenge and use Copilot Chat to create and refine prompts that deliver practical, real-world results. The session blends conceptual learning with applied practice to help participants leave confident using Copilot Chat in their daily work.
Definition of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI can perform tasks such as understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions based on data.
Microsoft Copilot Chat and Its Application
Microsoft Copilot Chat is an AI-powered tool that enhances user interaction within Microsoft 365 applications. It leverages AI to assist users in generating content, answering questions, and automating repetitive tasks, thereby improving overall productivity.
Integration with Microsoft 365
Copilot Chat seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, and Teams. This integration allows users to access AI capabilities directly within their workflow, enabling them to create documents, analyze data, and collaborate more effectively.
Prompting Fundamentals
- Instruction Prompting: Providing clear and concise instructions to guide the AI in generating desired responses.
- Role-Based Prompting: Defining a specific role for the AI to adopt, which helps tailor its responses to the context of the task.
- Contextual Prompting: Offering relevant context to the AI to enhance the quality and relevance of its outputs.
Creating Effective Prompts
To improve workflows and outcomes with Copilot Chat, users should focus on crafting specific, clear, and context-rich prompts. This involves refining prompts based on feedback and results to ensure the AI delivers the most relevant and useful information.
Collaborative Problem Solving
Using Copilot Chat in a guided Prompt-a-Thon allows teams to collaboratively address real business challenges. By leveraging AI capabilities, teams can brainstorm solutions, generate ideas, and streamline decision-making processes.
Ethical Implications of AI Tools
When using AI tools like Copilot Chat, it is essential to evaluate ethical considerations, including:
- Privacy: Ensuring user data is protected and used responsibly.
- Bias: Addressing potential biases in AI algorithms that could affect outcomes.
- Transparency: Maintaining clarity about how AI tools operate and make decisions.
Who should attend AI Fundamentals with Prompt-a-Thon: Microsoft Copilot Chat Course
- Professionals across departments looking to improve productivity using Microsoft Copilot Chat.
- Employees with access to Microsoft 365 and Copilot Chat.
- No technical background required.
Prerequisites for AI Fundamentals with Prompt-a-Thon: Microsoft Copilot Chat Course
AI Fundamentals with Prompt-a-Thon: Microsoft Copilot Chat Course Outline
- Introductions and learning goals
- Overview of the day’s structure
- What is AI?
- Key terminology: models, prompts, hallucinations, bias
- Everyday examples of AI in action
- What is Microsoft Copilot Chat and how it works
- Integration with Microsoft 365 tools
- Accessing Copilot Chat at https://copilot.cloud.microsoft/
- Live demo: exploring the interface and key features
- What makes a good prompt
- Core prompt types: instruction, question, role-based, contextual/few-shot
- Live examples in Copilot Chat
- Guided practice and iteration features
- Overview of the afternoon challenge
- Group assignments and expectations
- Review challenge structure and judging criteria
- Emphasize collaboration, experimentation, and refinement
- Steps:
- Identify a Workplace Challenge
- Design & Test Prompts
- Prepare Presentations
- Team Presentations & Wrap-Up
Resources
FAQs on AI Fundamentals with Prompt-a-Thon: Microsoft Copilot Chat
Professionals across departments who want to improve productivity using Microsoft Copilot Chat. Attendees should have access to Microsoft 365 and Copilot Chat, but no technical background is required.
No prior AI or coding experience is needed. Attendees should have basic familiarity with Microsoft 365 apps such as Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
You’ll learn foundational AI concepts, how Microsoft Copilot Chat works and integrates with Microsoft 365, and prompting fundamentals including instruction, question, role-based, and contextual prompting techniques.
Yes, the course combines instructional overviews with live demos in Copilot Chat, guided practice, and a hands-on ‘Prompt-a-Thon’ challenge where participants apply skills in teams.
No technical or coding background is required. The course is designed for non-technical professionals to learn AI and Copilot Chat concepts through practical, guided exercises.


