Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant embedded within Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It leverages advanced language models to help users generate content, analyze data, summarize information, and automate routine tasks—all within the tools they already use. For faculty members, Copilot can be a powerful time-saver and productivity enhancer across a range of academic tasks.
In Word, faculty can use Copilot to draft lecture notes, create syllabi, or generate outlines for lessons and assignments based on a few prompts or course objectives. In Outlook, it can streamline email communication by summarizing long threads, drafting replies, and highlighting key action items, which helps faculty manage correspondence with students and colleagues more efficiently. PowerPoint users can rely on Copilot to convert text or outlines into polished slide decks complete with speaker notes and suggested visuals, reducing the time needed to prepare engaging presentations.
Copilot also proves useful in Excel, where it can analyze student data, such as grades or survey results, and respond to natural language queries like “Show trends in student performance” or “Create a chart of attendance patterns.” Within Teams, Copilot can recap meetings, extract key discussion points, and generate follow-up tasks, making it easier to manage department meetings or student consultations. Additionally, faculty can use Copilot to tailor existing materials to different learning levels or needs, helping personalize content for accessibility or student engagement.
Overall, Microsoft Copilot enhances efficiency and creativity in higher education by supporting faculty in both administrative and instructional roles.
ACCESS COPILOT
- Access Copilot through the web
- Access Copilot in Windows 11 natively through the Copilot app, or in Windows 10 by downloading the Copilot app from the Microsoft Store
- Access Copilot on Mac through the Mac App Store
- Access Copilot on mobile through the Apple Store or Google Play
DEMONSTRATION VIDEO
DEMO / TRAINING VIDEOS
GUIDES
- Learn Microsoft Copilot Tutorial
- Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot Training
- Copilot Learning Hub
- Guide to Creating Effective Prompts
WHERE TO GET HELP
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Help & Learning Page
- Xavier Service Desk (limited to free 365 version support)
- IDT Team (limited to free version support for instructional purposes)
CANVAS INTEGRATION
Copilot does not have a Canvas integration, as it integrates directly with Windows, Office 365 tools, and mobile devices.
COST
Copilot has a free version, and a paid Pro version.
ACCOUNT NEEDED
A Microsoft account is recommended to save chat history. (your Xavier account will work with Copilot)