Exploring AI with Now Training: Highlights from Our Recent AI Training Week
At Now Training, we are committed to empowering our clients with the latest tools and knowledge to excel in the rapidly changing world of technology. Recently, we hosted a free AI Training Week, providing our clients with valuable insights into how AI can revolutionise their work processes. This article captures the key learnings from the sessions, particularly focusing on mastering the art of prompting with Microsoft Copilot.
For all the information on Prompting with CoPilot watch the webinar here:
Introduction to AI Prompting: The Essentials
During our AI Training Week, we introduced our clients to the fundamentals of AI prompting—a vital skill that enables users to interact effectively with AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Bing Chat Enterprise. Prompting involves crafting precise instructions to draw out the desired responses from AI models. Mastering this skill is crucial for anyone looking to harness AI for enhanced productivity and creativity.
The Role of Microsoft Copilot and Bing Chat
We covered two main AI tools: Microsoft Copilot and Bing Chat Enterprise.
- Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered digital assistant integrated within Microsoft 365 apps, assisting users with tasks such as coding, document creation, and email management. It is designed to boost productivity by using data from Microsoft 365 to provide tailored support.
- Bing Chat Enterprise offers a conversational interface for searching specific information, generating text, and creating images based on user prompts. Unlike Copilot, which is embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, Bing Chat uses publicly available data for its responses.
Understanding Prompting: Why It’s Important
Prompting is more than just asking questions; it involves structuring your queries in a way that maximises the AI’s potential. During our sessions, we highlighted that a well-crafted prompt can result in highly relevant and useful outputs, while a poorly constructed one might lead to irrelevant or incorrect information. This is why mastering the art of prompting is so important.
Practical Tips for Effective Prompting
We provided our clients with practical guidance on creating effective prompts. Key elements to consider include:
- Objective/Task: Clearly define the goal or task you want the AI to assist with.
- Context: Provide background information that helps the AI understand the nuances of your request.
- Format and Tone: Specify the structure and tone you expect in the response.
- Follow-up Prompts: Engage in a continuous dialogue with the AI by refining your prompts to improve the results.
For example, instead of simply asking, “Tell me about renewable energy,” a more effective prompt would be, “Write a 500-word blog post about the latest advancements in solar and wind energy, aimed at educating the general public.”
Real-World Applications and Demonstrations
Throughout the training week, we demonstrated how to use Microsoft Copilot in real-world scenarios. Whether it was drafting emails, creating PowerPoint presentations, or summarising documents, our sessions showcased how these tools could save time, improve accuracy, and boost productivity.
A key takeaway was the importance of context and permissions when using Copilot. For example, Copilot can pull information from emails, documents, and chats within your Microsoft 365 environment, but only if the correct permissions are set. This ensures that the AI’s outputs are both relevant and secure.
Ethical Considerations and Best Practices
Another important aspect of our training was the discussion on the ethical use of AI. We emphasised the importance of professionalism and ethical considerations when using AI tools, ensuring that all interactions remain respectful and that the data used is handled responsibly. We also encouraged our clients to always fact-check AI-generated content to maintain accuracy and reliability.
Conclusion: The Future of AI at Work
Our AI Training Week was a great success, equipping our clients with the knowledge and skills to use AI technologies like Microsoft Copilot effectively. As AI continues to evolve, the ability to interact with these tools through effective prompting will become increasingly important. At Now Training, we are committed to supporting our clients on this journey, ensuring they stay at the forefront of innovation.
For more insights and resources, visit our news page, where we regularly share updates and best practices for using AI and other advanced technologies in the workplace.
Choosing Managed Learning Services
Choosing Managed Learning Services is more than just a practical decision—it’s a strategic move that significantly enhances a company’s overall success. We at Now Training are proud to provide customised MLS solutions that not only streamline operational efficiency but also promote strategic growth and innovation. As companies navigate the complexities of today’s workforce, partnering with an experienced MLS provider like Now Training is essential for staying ahead, ensuring that employees are skilled, compliant, and perfectly aligned with your organisation’s long-term goals and aspirations.
If you’re interested in exploring how our Managed Learning Services (MLS) could benefit your organisation, we’d love to have a conversation with you. Contact us here or call on 01920 461 222
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