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SmealAI@Work

Francesca Joyce
In EdTech Tools & Course Delivery, GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Microsoft 365 Copilot for Outlook and Teams

Already familiar with the basics of GenAI? This intermediate session focuses on ways to leverage Microsoft 365 Copilot to increase productivity across your daily tasks focusing on Outlook and Teams.

We explore how Copilot can help you:

  • Draft and refine emails

  • Summarize email threads and chat conversations

  • Create meeting follow-ups

  • Adapt tone for different audiences

  • Build templates and FAQs for quick responses

This session is perfect for staff and faculty who are ready to move beyond “getting started” and want to unlock more targeted, time-saving strategies. Come discover how Microsoft 365 Copilot can become your behind-the-scenes assistant.

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In EdTech Tools & Course Delivery, GenAI, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Microsoft 365 Copilot Basics

Not sure how to get started with Microsoft Copilot? Join for a hands-on introduction to Microsoft Copilot 365 (paid). Whether you’re writing emails, analyzing data, scheduling meetings, or taking notes, Copilot is here to lend a digital hand.  In this session, we:

  • Discover what Microsoft Copilot 365 is and where it lives in your everyday tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and more!)

  • Expect a judgment-free zone, some friendly AI humor, and plenty of “I didn’t know it could do that!” moments.

 

Francesca Joyce
In EdTech Tools & Course Delivery, GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Writing Effective Prompts

 

Ready to get more out of Generative AI (GenAI)? This beginner-friendly session introduces you to effective prompt writing strategies to return better results from AI tools like the free version of Microsoft Copilot. You’ll learn what makes a good prompt, explore different types of prompts, and walk through the prompt-writing process. Participants learn how to craft precise and relevant prompts, understand the nuances of GenAI applications in higher education, and explore strategies to integrate AI into our daily work. Whether you’re drafting emails, building presentations, or organizing student materials, this session gives you practical, hands-on guidance for building smarter prompts for GenAI.

 By the end of the training, participants should be able to:

 

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Key Tools for Storage and Collaboration with ITLD

This session explores the storage and collaboration functions of OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. You will also learn how OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams interact and the relationship between the three. The session provides you with information and opportunities for hands-on application of these Key Tool and their features. Learning to effectively use OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams builds the foundational collaboration and data management skills that strengthen AI literacy, helping faculty and staff streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and better integrate Microsoft Copilot and other AI tools into their daily work.

 By the end of the training, participants should be able to:

  • Access and navigate Microsoft 365 applications (OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams)
  • Identify the storage and collaboration functions of OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams
  • Explore ways OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams interact

 

RESOURCES:

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: GenAI Basics and Overview (Demystifying GenAI)

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Curious about all the AI buzz? The Smeal AI@Work series explores what Generative AI really is and how to get started with using it. 

In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll demystify GenAI and introduce you to Microsoft Copilot (the free version is all you need for this session). Copilot is freely available to all Penn State users and provides a basic Generative AI tool that keeps your data protected. For those needing deeper integration, the paid version of Microsoft 365 Copilot unlocks advanced features across Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint. During this session, we’ll separate myths from reality, highlight tools you’re probably already using (like autocomplete and smart replies), and demonstrate how Copilot can support your everyday work. 

You’ll also see a live demo of Copilot in action, and explore real-world examples tailored to staff and faculty productivity and task management, from streamlining meeting notes to simplifying email drafting. 

Whether you’re brand-new to AI or just looking to better understand how it fits into your daily workflow, this is the place to start. Come and find out how to get started with GenAI basics.