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In this guide, you will find instructions on how to use Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat on the Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome and Safari web browser.

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When using the Copilot Chat user interface, it's important to consider the following aspects:

  • Copilot is an innovative product that is constantly in testing and development phase. Therefore, the user experience can change over time.
  • The Copilot user interface is managed by Microsoft, and the University of Tartu's Department of Information Technology is not responsible for its stability. Users are advised to expect possible glitches and updates.
  • Certain functionalities and visual aspects may change, disappear, or reappear over time, which is typical for continuously evolving software.

If you are experiencing usage, login or license issues, please create a ticket in the IT helpdesk requests portal.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is an AI-based chatbot available in the Microsoft 365 suite via web and mobile apps. It does not require an additional license and is protected with enhanced security. Copilot Chat also allows the creation of personal agents (custom GPTs) that perform specific tasks defined by the creator. Your conversations and uploaded files are not used to train AI models.

Purpose

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat helps accelerate daily work by supporting users in tasks such as content creation, idea generation, and analysis. It also assists teachers and students by helping them quickly find answers and structure their thoughts and ideas. Copilot is an innovative product that is continuously being tested and developed, so the user experience may change over time.

Requirements

  • University of Tartu Microsoft user account
  • Internet connection and preferably a web browser (Edge or Chrome)

Instructions

  1. Open a web browser (preferably Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome).
  2. Sign in with your university account (use the format username@ut.ee) at https://m365.cloud.microsoft/chat or via the Microsoft 365 app.
  3. University of Tartu login platform will open, where you can enter your university account password.
  4. On your first login, two-factor authentication will be required.
  5. If a green shield icon is displayed, data protection is ensured (Enterprise Data Protection).
  6. Start chatting.

Note: The protected version cannot be used with a personal Edge account; Microsoft Copilot can be used in commonly used web browsers.


Copilot Chat is also available as a mobile app:

  1. Open the Microsoft Edge web browser.
  2. Go to https://m365.cloud.microsoft/chat and log in using your UT user account (in the format username@ut.ee).
  3. Make sure there Web selected and the Protected icon at the top right of the screen.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can be used to summarize content from websites, PDFs, and Microsoft applications (be sure to open these files in online versions for optimal communication).

  1. Open the Microsoft Copilot extension → click the More options button → select Notification and App settings → select Allow access to any website or PDF.
  2. Open the desired web page, PDF or content in a Microsoft application and click Generate page summary.
  3. Bing Chat generates a summary based on the content of the web page.
  4. You can also export the answer as a PDF. To do this, press the Export button and select PDF.
    Soovi korral saad vastuse eksportida ka PDF-ina. Selleks vajuta nupule Export ja vali PDF.

When interacting with artificial intelligence (AI), it is possible to improve the outcome by being as precise and specific as possible when giving commands. 

When entering a command, consider the following details: 

  • Ask AI to assume a role or specify your own role as the questioner
    • For example: act like a chief specialist in charge of educational programs and teaching methodology development. 
    • Specify yourself, what role or field you are in and what you are dealing with. For example: I am a lecturer trying to update the content of my materials science courses and I have extensive knowledge of nanotechnology. This helps AI take into account your specific field and perspective. 
  • Objective: You can instruct the AI with input about the objective.
    • For example: your task is to review and update the course content to meet modern educational standards and students' needs. 
    • Develop an action plan based on feedback and studies from your course. 
    • Analyze the meeting notes and adjust as necessary. 
  • Specify the target group: Who are you seeking AI input for?
    • For example: my main target group is the students of the University of Tartu. 
  • Limitations: Set boundaries within which the AI should respond.
    • For example: respond with a maximum of 500 words or try to communicate the message as clearly and concisely as possible. 
    • Keep in mind that an AI command can be a maximum of 4000 characters and using the Notes functionality up to 18000 characters, which allows for more thorough analysis and proposal presentation. 
  • Clarity and specificity: Provide very precise instructions that describe what the AI should take into account when responding. Be as specific as possible about tasks, expectations, and desired outcomes. Use input files and texts that describe the necessary context if needed. 
    • Use simple but more formal language. 
    • Use clear and understandable language: avoid slang and colloquial language, which may reduce the quality of the AI's response. 

What else to consider when asking from AI? 

  • Be clear and precise: provide possibly precise instructions about what the task involves, explain the data context and requirements for the results. Leave as little room for interpretation as possible.
  • Give examples: use high-quality and diverse examples to direct the AI to generate more relevant and precise responses.
  • Be descriptive: use analogies and provide details that help explain a concept or notion better.
  • Do not assume prior knowledge: do not assume that the AI has knowledge outside the given instructions. Always provide context and set expectations.
  • Adjust a successful guide: if you have created a guide that works well for one task, try using it as a template and adjust it for similar tasks.
    • For example: Create a lesson plan [for the course and level] that meets [standards] and focuses on [topic]. The lesson should include [a list of required parts]. It should be structured [according to requirements]. (copy to the Copilot window) 

More information can be found on the page: 2.3. Constructing a Prompt | Artificial intelligence at the University of Tartu 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kind of data can I enter into Copilot Chat?
Guidelines for using AI in teaching can be found here: Guidelines for using AI applications for teaching and studies | Tartu Ülikool

Does Copilot Chat require an additional license?
No. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is available free of charge for users with an educational license, both staff and students, and does not require a separate license.

Does Copilot Chat store conversations or learn from users?
No. Conversations are not stored and are not used to train AI models. Data protection is ensured.

Does Copilot Chat work in Estonian?
Yes, but for more complex queries, writing in English may yield more accurate results.

Why can’t I use Copilot Chat in Outlook?
This requires an additional Microsoft 365 Copilot license. You can read more about it here: Microsoft 365 Copilot

Support and Contact

If you need help using Copilot Chat, contact IT support:

References


Keywords
Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365, AI, Copilot, artificial intelligence, IT service, students, staff

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