Microsoft Copilot
MS Copilot supports these learning types (see definitions):
MS Copilot utilises generative AI technology to interpret and respond to questions in a natural, conversational manner. In teaching, it can be used by both teachers and students to
- grasp complex concepts, providing explanations and guiding students through the steps of problem solving
- summarise topics and find relevant information on a subject
- provide code examples, explain conditional logic or help debug algorithms
- develop creative writing or essay skills, generate ideas for stories, provide leads of inquiry, or feedback on written work.
While Copilot is a powerful tool, it is important to remember that it is not exempt from bias, distortion or fabrication (termed ‘hallucinations’) and should be used to supplement rather than replace traditional learning. Students should
- be given clear guidance on when and how it may be used for coursework and assessment tasks
- always verify the information provided by the tool
- consult with their teacher when in doubt.
Use Copilot, freestyle, via MS Edge browser
Start a conversation on any topic by accessing Copilot directly. Copilot is designed to work best with Microsoft Edge browser. If you have difficulty logging in on other browsers, try Edge instead.
- If you don’t have MS Edge on your computer, please log a job with the Staff Service Centre to have it installed.
- In MS Edge go to: https://copilot.microsoft.com/ and log in with your UoA account (username@uoa.auckland.ac.nz).
- Look for the privacy symbol. If you don’t see this symbol on the page, your login was unsuccessful.
Scroll down and read the FAQ on this page about how to log in to Copilot.
You will notice that there is a daily cap on your interactions – 30 responses per day.
Use Copilot to ask questions about a webpage
Within MS Edge, look for the copilot symbol at the top of the sidebar. 
Click the icon to open the Copilot AI companion. This is where you can ask the tool to generate a summary of the page you are currently viewing, or ask it questions about the content.
The Copilot sidebar in Microsoft Edge browser allows you to ask the tool to summarise the page in view, or ask it questions about the page content.
How-to guides
From the University of Auckland
MS Copilot for staff and students: Essential things to know
The University’s Gen-AI Usage Standard
The University’s advice for students
Watch recordings from a seminar held by our in-house digital learning specialist expert, Karl McGuirk, who unveils the intricacies of working with Copilot:
From Microsoft
Getting started with Copilot (8-min video)
Copilot Lab for tips on generating effective prompts
FAQs
What are the deficiencies of generative AI in education?
The limitations of tools like Copilot are not trivial and should be taken into consideration and explained to students at every opportunity.
- Outdated information: The large language model that comprises Copilot’s knowledge base is only current up to a point in time.
- Lacking personalisation: It doesn’t have the ability to adapt its responses to an individual or a learning style.
- No emotional intelligence: An inability to understand emotional cues results in its inability to provide any level of learning support or motivation.
- Accuracy: While Copilot aims to provide accurate information, it is not infallible and prone to information bias. It can even generate fake references in an attempt to sound plausible. Therefore it is imperative for users to cross-verify against reliable sources.
- Lack of context: Copilot doesn’t remember past interactions, leading to an inability to provide relevant responses longitudinally.
How do I log in to Copilot?
Copilot is designed to work within MS Edge browser. If you have difficulty logging in on other browsers, try MS Edge instead.
- Go to: https://copilot.microsoft.com/ and log in with your UoA Microsoft account (username@uoa.auckland.ac.nz).
- Look for the privacy symbol. If you don’t see this symbol on the page, your login was unsuccessful.
- To log in to the MS Edge browser with your UoA Microsoft, click the profile icon at the top left:
Click the account icon at the top left of the browser to open the popup account panel.
- Click the dropdown list under the ‘Choose an account’ heading and choose ‘Add new account‘:
Click the account icon at the top left of the browser to open the popup account panel and choose ‘add new account’.
- Click the sign-in button and enter your UoA Microsoft account details (username@uoa.auckland.ac.nz):
Select ‘create new account’ and click the sign-in button to create your new account.
- You should see your work profile:
Microsoft account information panel should now show you that you are signed in to your work profile.
- Refresh the Copilot dashboard. It should show that you are signed in and that your data is protected.
The Copilot dashboard should show your account icon and a protected icon.
Is my data protected while using Copilot?
Yes, when signed in to Copilot with your University of Auckland account it is safe to use sensitive data and your interactions will remain private. Your information will not be used to train its large language model for future interactions by other users. See the FAQ on this page about how to log in to Copilot.
Support
For support with assessment redesign or incorporating Gen-AI into your courses, book a session with Ranga Auaha Ako, Learning and Teaching Design Team, through its TeachWell Consult service.
If you have general questions about University policy and/or procedures around using Gen-AI, you can email the Academic Quality Office.
For technical support and feedback on the use of MS Copilot, contact Staff Service Centre.
See also
Generative AI resources for teaching
We have compiled some resources exploring the use of Gen-AI in coursework, examples of incorporating it into your teaching and a template for adding academic honesty declarations into your course.
MS Copilot for staff and students: Essential things to know
Our March 2024 announcement provided staff with a bit more background.
Page updated 15/08/2024 (added FAQ about logging in)