Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection is free for campus use — and it can help students harness the power of AI for academic and social success.

Here are a few ways you can use Copilot for upcoming exams:

• Planning your schedule: Users can upload documents into Copilot, and let the AI simplify the content. Try using it with a file containing your final exam schedule, and any last-minute assignments. Copilot can put everything into a table with descriptions of each item, and recommend ways to tackle the projects.
• Tips and tricks: Copilot can search through the web and list some popular tips for whatever you ask. Try searching for different ways to study, and apply those key points to your next study session.
• Tutoring: Need some clarification on a topic? You can ask Copilot to help give you main concepts of a topic, and it can break down a problem step-by-step to guide you through.
• Decompress: Ask Copilot about some ways to handle the stress of final exams, and then take a well-deserved break.

Here are some tips for using AI in the classroom and beyond:

• Permission: Keep in mind that you should consult your course syllabus to determine if you are allowed to use AI.
• Security: Copilot with Data Protection is a more secure alternative to other chatbots. When you sign into Copilot with your UAB email, a green icon will appear at the top, signifying that your data and UAB’s data are secure. Even though it is a secure platform, you should avoid sharing any personal or sensitive in the chatbot. UAB IT suggests that users should focus more on general information that will not require access to sensitive data.
• Prompts: When you are using Copilot for assistance, remember to be clear and specific with your prompts. If you make a very detailed request, the chatbot will be able to home in on the subject and provide answers that will fit your needs best. Prompts are customizable, so make one that fits your needs. Instead of saying “Explain [general concept] to me,” try saying “Could please break down [a specific topic] that my [course name] class is discussing this week? What are the three main points to keep in mind with this topic?”
• Accuracy: If you receive an answer that is not up to par with what you need, let Copilot know! You can simply type what you need in the prompt box, and Copilot can adjust the answers accordingly. The more you work with Copilot, the better it gets in aiding you.

Any items created through Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection, or other AI-generated content, should be used for ideation or information purposes. AI systems used at UAB should place humans at the center of deployment. UAB users are accountable for the inputs and outputs in AI tools, and must learn how to critically evaluate and use the tools, exercise decision making and judgment, and retain control over the use of AI. Users can find the official UAB AI guidelines here. 

To learn more about AI on campus, and see upcoming AI events, visit the UAB AI website.