Mastering Microsoft Copilot (Standard): AI Powered Productivity in Microsoft 365
- • Confidently use Copilot across Microsoft 365 apps
- • Automate tasks and improve productivity
- • Apply AI tools to real world scenarios
- • Understand ethical and secure use of AI
- • Recognise the differences between Standard and Premium Copilot
Overview
This virtual, instructor led course introduces Microsoft Copilot (Standard), the AI assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 applications. Learners will explore how Copilot enhances productivity, creativity, and collaboration across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams using the Ribbon based Copilot experience.
This course is based on Microsoft 365 Copilot Standard, included with Microsoft 365 E3/E5. Standard Copilot provides AI assistance within each app but does not include the right hand Copilot panel, file uploads, Work Mode, brand assets, or multi document referencing. Delegates using Copilot Premium may see additional features not covered in this course.
Who should attend
Professionals, students, and anyone looking to boost productivity with AI tools using the standard Copilot experience.
Purpose and Reason Why
Delegates should be familiar with:
- Using a computer/laptop within a Windows environment
- File management (saving, opening, navigating folders)
- Basic working knowledge of:
- Word (creating/editing documents)
- Excel (entering data, simple formulas)
- PowerPoint (creating slides)
- Outlook and Teams (sending emails, joining meetings)
- A Microsoft 365 account with Copilot access (Copilot Standard included with E3/E5)
Course Aim:
To introduce Microsoft Copilot Standard and demonstrate how AI enhances productivity, creativity, and collaboration across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Who Should Attend
Location
Course Syllabus
Day 1
Introduction to Microsoft Copilot
- Copilot Standard Vs Copilot Premium in M365 Files
- What is Microsoft Copilot (Standard) and how it works
- Overview of AI in Microsoft 365
- Benefits and Use Cases Across Microsoft Copilot
- Accessing Copilot in Microsoft 365
- Copilot Standard – Feature Limitations (Compared to Premium)
- Ribbon‑only Copilot
- Right‑hand panel available, but limited
- No Work Mode
- No file uploads
- No brand assets
- No multi‑document referencing
Copilot Standard in Microsoft Word
- Copilot Standard in Microsoft Word
- Drafting and Editing Documents
- Summarising Content
- Rewriting and Improving Tone
- Generating Reports and Proposals
Copilot Standard in Microsoft Excel
- Copilot Standard in Microsoft Excel
- Data Analysis and Insights
- Creating Formulas and Functions
- Automating Repetitive Tasks
- Visualising Data with Charts and Graphs
Copilot Standard in Microsoft PowerPoint
- Copilot Standard in Microsoft PowerPoint
- Designing Presentations from Prompts
- Enhancing Visual Storytelling with Copilot Standard
- Creating Slides from a Word Document
- Editing and Refining Slide Content
Copilot Standard in Microsoft Outlook
- Copilot Standard in Microsoft Outlook
- Drafting and Replying to Emails
- Summarising Email Threads
- Scheduling and Managing Meetings
- Prioritising Inbox Tasks
Copilot Standard in Microsoft Teams
- Copilot Standard in Microsoft Teams
- Meeting summaries and action items
- Real‑time collaboration support
- Enhancing communication with AI
- Integrating Copilot with Teams Apps
Best Practices
- Writing effective prompts
- Ethical and secure use of AI
- Ensuring confidentiality (Copilot Standard only uses the content in the open document or email)
- Avoiding over‑reliance on AI
- Understanding when Premium features may be beneficial
Addendum: Security & Document Handling for Copilot Standard (Microsoft 365 E3/E5)
Note: The contents of this course will continue to evolve as Copilot develops. Updates will be incorporated into this outline as new features become available.
