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

This hands-on course introduces participants to Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the lens of Microsoft Copilot Pro. The morning session builds foundational understanding of AI concepts and how Copilot leverages them inside the Microsoft 365 suite. Learners will explore prompting techniques not only in Copilot Chat but also directly within Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. The afternoon Prompt-a-Thon invites participants to apply their knowledge by designing practical AI-driven solutions using Microsoft Copilot. Working in teams, they’ll identify real workplace challenges, experiment with prompts, and showcase their results in short presentations.
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Course Overview

This hands-on course introduces participants to Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the lens of Microsoft Copilot Pro. The morning session builds foundational understanding of AI concepts and how Copilot leverages them inside the Microsoft 365 suite. Learners will explore prompting techniques not only in Copilot Chat but also directly within Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. The afternoon Prompt-a-Thon invites participants to apply their knowledge by designing practical AI-driven solutions using Microsoft Copilot. Working in teams, they’ll identify real workplace challenges, experiment with prompts, and showcase their results in short presentations.
  • Scroll right to view Objectives, Prerequisites, and Agenda

Define AI in practical terms and describe how it powers Microsoft Copilot. Explain how Copilot Pro integrates across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Demonstrate effective prompting techniques in Copilot Chat and 365 applications. Differentiate between good and poor prompts through hands-on examples. Apply structured prompting to real-world business problems during the Prompt-a-Thon. Reflect on ethical implications of AI use (bias, transparency, data privacy).

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

1 – Welcome & Course Overview

  • Instructor introductions and learning goals
  • Overview of Copilot Pro and the day’s agenda

2 – Understanding AI & Copilot

  • What is Artificial Intelligence?
  • How large language models (LLMs) work in simple terms
  • What makes Microsoft Copilot “intelligent”
  • The Copilot ecosystem: Chat, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams
  • Data privacy and security overview

3 – Copilot in Action

Live Demos + Guided Exploration

  • Copilot Chat: Conversational interface and productivity workflows
  • Word: Drafting and refining content
  • Excel: Data summaries, formulas, and trend analysis
  • PowerPoint: Presentation creation and design suggestions
  • Outlook: Drafting responses, summarizing threads
  • Teams: Meeting recaps and brainstorming

4 – Prompting Fundamentals in Microsoft Copilot

  • What is a “prompt” and how Copilot interprets it
  • Anatomy of an effective prompt
  • Prompt styles:
    • Instruction prompts (“Write a professional email about…”)
    • Question prompts (“What are three key trends in our data?”)
    • Role-based prompts (“Act as a communications expert and…”)
    • Contextual/few-shot prompts
    • Refinement and follow-up prompts
  • Hands-on Practice: Participants create and refine prompts in different Microsoft 365 apps

5 – Transition to Prompt-a-Thon

  • Overview of the Prompt-a-Thon challenge
  • Team setup and expectations
  • Tips for success with Copilot during collaboration

6 – Kickoff & Instructions

  • Review Prompt-a-Thon flow and deliverables
  • Emphasize collaboration and creativity

7 – Team Brainstorming

  • Identify 3–5 common productivity challenges or workflows deliverables
  • Choose one challenge to address using Microsoft Copilot

8 – Prompt Design & Testing

  • Draft initial prompts for Copilot
  • Test and iterate using real Microsoft 365 applications
  • Capture best-performing prompts and outputs

9 – Group Review & Selection

  • Discuss prompt results and select the strongest solution

10 – Team Presentations & Reflection

  • Present your challenge, prompt evolution, and outcome
  • Peer and instructor feedback
  • Ethical reflection and wrap-up discussion
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