You can use Copilot to:
- Create structured notes
- Improve language style
- Generate images for presentations
- Brainstorm ideas for research projects
Unlike a search engine that retrieves exact answers, Copilot generates text by identifying patterns in large datasets.
Important Considerations
- Respect Copyright Laws: you are not allowed to upload, process or generate content based on copyrighted material without permission. Ensure that all use of Copilot complies with copyright laws and academic guidelines.
- Comply with Dalarna University’s AI Policy: AI should be used responsibly and ethically and in accordance with university guidelines. Students are encouraged to explore the capabilities of AI but must ensure its use aligns with assignment instructions and academic regulations: Policy for the Use of Generative AI (Swedish text) (pdf)
- Use Your Dalarna University Account: To ensure data security and protect your personal information, do not use a private Microsoft account. The university provides accounts with the appropriate permissions and security settings to ensure Copilot is used in a secure and responsible manner.
- Integrity and Responsibility: Copilot is a tool, but you are responsible for fact-checking and adapting AI-generated content. Keep in mind that AI usage is regulated by your instructor and may be restricted or prohibited depending on the assignment. It is essential that you follow Dalarna University’s examination rules for undergraduate and graduate levels: Examination Rules (Swedish text) (pdf)
- Limitations: Copilot is a support tool and does not replace your own analysis or academic writing. AI can generate incorrect or misleading information: it is your responsibility to check its accuracy. Use your critical-thinking skills when using AI sources and double check facts before including them in your work.
Log In to Copilot
Students at Dalarna University can access Copilot via the web. To log in, follow these steps:
- Go to Copilot Online
Visit copilot.cloud.microsoft in your web browser.
Log in with your Dalarna University account - Click on "Log in."
Use your student email address (e.g., username@du.se).
Enter your password and follow any verification steps.
Get Started with Prompts
To get the most out of Copilot, you need to understand how to write effective prompts (instructions):
- Be specific: The clearer your question or instructions, the more relevant the response will be.
Example: Instead of asking "Write about climate change," say "Summarise the key factors of climate change and its impact on ecosystems". - Provide context: If you want Copilot to write in a certain style or for a specific purpose, describe this.
Example: "Write an academic text about photosynthesis at a level suitable for primary school students." - Use step-by-step instructions: If you need a long response, ask the AI to break the information into sections. Example: "First describe the background of the Industrial Revolution, and then provide examples of its impact in Europe."
- Experiment and refine: If the output is not what you had expected, try rephrasing your question or adding more details.
By understanding and applying these techniques, you can optimise your use of Copilot and receive more useful responses.
Creative Ways for Using Copilot in Your Studies
Copilot is a useful resource in your learning. It can:
- Generate ideas: If you are having difficulties with a writing assignment, Copilot can help by suggesting phrases and topics to explore. For example, it can suggest essay topics in the subject of history or it can suggest alternative perspectives for an argumentative text.
- Structure texts: Need help organising your thoughts? Copilot can suggest headings and a logical structure for your work. For instance, it can outline a scientific report with sections like Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion.
- Improve language and style: AI can suggest more academic wording and help make your text more formal and clear. If you are writing an analysis, Copilot can offer alternatives to informal expressions and propose more scholarly language.
- Summarise and rephrase: If you have long texts, Copilot can distill the main points into clear summaries. For example, it can summarise an article that you have read and it can highlight the most relevant points.
- Create study questions: Copilot can generate questions to help you review and understand course material effectively. For example, it can create questions based on a psychology text such as "What are the central theories in cognitive behavioral therapy?"
- Act as a debate partner: Use Copilot to test different arguments and strengthen your reasoning by practising debates. If you are preparing for a debate on climate change, Copilot can generate counterarguments to help you prepare strong responses.
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