Key Information for Educators and IT Administrators implementing Copilot Chat for students
As artificial intelligence continues to transform educational environments, Microsoft has introduced Microsoft Copilot Chat for students aged 13 and above. This AI-driven assistant is designed to enhance learning outcomes, improve productivity, and uphold rigorous standards of privacy and compliance—all at no additional cost.
Overview of Microsoft Copilot Chat
Microsoft Copilot Chat is a secure, web-based AI solution integrated within Microsoft 365. It offers students the ability to:
- Pose questions and receive intelligent, contextually relevant responses
- Generate ideas and concise summaries
- Obtain assistance with assignments and research tasks
- Gain proficiency in the use of Microsoft 365 tools
Unlike Microsoft 365 Copilot for staff and faculty, the student edition does not access organisational data such as emails, documents, or meetings. This architecture ensures a safe and compliant experience for younger users, while still leveraging advanced generative AI capabilities.
Implications for Educational Institutions
For IT administrators and education leaders, Microsoft Copilot Chat presents several advantages:
- Promotes digital literacy by encouraging responsible engagement with AI technology
- Reduces support demands via prompt answers to common queries about Microsoft 365 tools
- Enables administrative control through Entra ID configurations and tenant settings
- Meets regulatory requirements including COPPA and FERPA through mandatory age verification
Essential Implementation Steps for IT Administrators
To activate Microsoft Copilot Chat for students, please follow these key procedures:
- Specify the correct tenant type using the designated PowerShell script.
- Set the ageGroup attribute in Entra ID to ensure full compliance with applicable privacy legislation.
- Audit access policies to confirm that only authorised users are granted access.
Comprehensive guidance and scripts are available from Microsoft’s Tech Community to facilitate a secure and efficient setup process.
Initiating AI Integration in Your Institution
Institutions that are seeking to deploy Microsoft Copilot Chat or requiring expert assistance with safe and effective AI implementation are encouraged to consult with AspiraCloud, who provide IT advice, consultancy, training and support for all things Microsoft 365.
Contact us today to book a free initial Teams consultation.