AI Fundamentals with Prompt-a-Thon: Microsoft Copilot Chat

This course introduces participants to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the lens of Microsoft Copilot Chat. Learners will explore what AI is, how Copilot Chat works within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and how to design effective prompts to boost productivity and creativity. 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.
Course Details

Price:

Days:

1

Location:

Course Overview

This course introduces participants to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the lens of Microsoft Copilot Chat. Learners will explore what AI is, how Copilot Chat works within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and how to design effective prompts to boost productivity and creativity. 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.

Define AI and explain how it applies to Microsoft Copilot Chat. Describe how Copilot Chat integrates with Microsoft 365 and supports productivity. Apply prompting fundamentals including instruction, role-based, and contextual prompting. Create and refine effective prompts for Copilot Chat to improve workflows and outcomes. Collaboratively solve real business problems using Copilot Chat in a guided Prompt-a-Thon. Evaluate the ethical implications of using AI tools such as privacy, bias, and transparency.

No prior AI or coding experience required. Familiarity with Microsoft 365 apps (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

1 – Welcome & Overview

  • Introductions and learning goals
  • Overview of the day’s structure

2 – Introduction to AI Concepts Overview

  • What is AI?
  • Key terminology: models, prompts, hallucinations, bias
  • Everyday examples of AI in action structure

3 – Understanding Microsoft Copilot Chat Overview

  • 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

4 – Prompting Fundamentals Overview

  • What makes a good prompt works
  • Core prompt types: instruction, question, role-based, contextual/few-shot works
  • Live examples in Copilot Chat works
  • Guided practice and iteration features

5 – Prompt-a-Thon Kickoff

  • Overview of the afternoon challenge
  • Group assignments and expectations

6 – Kickoff & Instructions

  • Review challenge structure and judging criteria
  • Emphasize collaboration, experimentation, and refinement
  • Step 1: Identify a Workplace Challenge
  • Step 2: Design & Test Prompts
  • Step 3: Prepare Presentations
  • Step 4: Team Presentations & Wrap-Up
Class Dates & Times
Filters Sort results
Reset Apply
No results found. Clear filters and try again?
— Questions?

Information Request

— Empower Change

Invest in Skills & Equality

Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Every Purchase.

Great Horizons is a North Carolina Certified HUB Vendor and WOSB. By becoming a patron of our organization, you are not only supporting a historically underutilized business, but a woman-owned small business as well.