Mastering AI through Prompt Engineering
Precon Presenter: Anupama Natarajan, MVP
Learning Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
Understand the foundational concepts of prompt engineering and its role in AI interactions.
Utilize tools like copilot.microsoft.com, Copilot for M365, Azure AI Foundry, and Copilot Studio for practical AI integration.
Design effective, ethical, and optimized prompts for various use cases across industries.
Debug and optimize AI responses using advanced prompt techniques.
Implement AI-powered workflows for productivity and innovation.
Pre-Requisites
Familiarity with basic AI concepts and technologies.
An active Microsoft 365 subscription with access to Copilot for M365. (Optional)
Access to Azure AI Foundry, Copilot Studio, and copilot.microsoft.com accounts. (Mandatory)
Basic understanding of cloud platforms (Azure preferred).
A laptop with internet access.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction to Prompt Engineering
Topics Covered:
What is Prompt Engineering?
Why Prompts Matter in AI Interactions
Overview of Microsoft AI Tools for Prompt Engineering
Demo: Exploring copilot.microsoft.com interface.
Exercise: Create a basic prompt for task automation.
Module 2: Effective Prompt Design Techniques
Topics Covered:
Structured vs. Unstructured Prompts
Role-Based Prompts and Context Framing
Few-Shot and Zero-Shot Learning Explained
Demos:
Designing task-based prompts in Copilot for M365.
Prompt refinement for task automation in Azure AI Foundry.
Exercise: Participants create and refine a prompt for document summarization.
Module 3: Advanced Prompt Optimization
Topics Covered:
Debugging Prompts for Better AI Responses
Leveraging Context Memory in Long-Form AI Tasks
Ethical Considerations in Prompt Design
Demos:
Debugging and iterative prompt optimization using Copilot Studio.
Building prompts for customer support scenarios in Azure AI Foundry.
Exercise: Debug a poorly performing prompt and optimize for better results.
Module 4: Industry-Specific Applications
Topics Covered:
Using AI for Productivity (e.g., Emails, Meetings, and Scheduling)
Applications in Healthcare, Finance, and Education
Tailoring Prompts for Domain-Specific Tasks
Demos:
Automating report generation in Copilot for M365.
Building a sentiment analysis workflow in Azure AI Foundry.
Exercise: Design a domain-specific prompt relevant to the participant's industry.
Module 5: Future of Prompt Engineering
Topics Covered:
Trends in AI-Driven Workflows
The Role of Prompt Engineers in AI-Driven Enterprises
AI Ethics and Best Practices
Exercise: Design and present a complete AI-powered solution integrating the tools covered in the course.
Deliverables
Course slides with step-by-step instructions.
Sample prompt templates for Copilot for M365, Azure AI, and Copilot Studio.
Links to further resources and documentation for Microsoft AI tools.
This course blends theoretical foundations with practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, ensuring participants walk away with actionable skills for mastering AI through prompt engineering.