New technology continues to change how Syracuse University works, teaches, learns and creates. The Tech Tips video series features workshops, presentations and instructional videos designed to help you make technology work for you.

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Presentations and Workshops

AI at Work

On Oct. 1, 2024, Information Technology Services hosted University faculty and staff for a discussion about generative AI at work, including guidelines for responsible use of AI, an overview of some of the tools available and tips for achieving better results.


AI Day with Microsoft Panel Discussion

As part of AI Day with Microsoft on Nov. 8, 2024, a panel discussed the ethics, advantages and possibilities of generative AI on campus. Panel members included:

  • Eric Sedore, Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Technology Officer, Syracuse University
  • Regina Luttrell, Senior Associate Dean, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
  • Jacob Kaplan, Student, School of Information Studies
  • Josh Reynolds, Director of Modern Workplace, Microsoft Education
  • Darren Clay, Sr. Modern Work Specialist, Microsoft Education

Microsoft Copilot Workshop

This virtual Microsoft Copilot workshop features Darren Clay, Senior Modern Work Specialist for Microsoft Education. The session includes:
• High-level explanations of Copilot and its applications in Outlook, M365 chat, Word and more
• Real-time demonstrations of use cases, such as summarizing emails, drafting responses, and analyzing Excel workbooks
• Discussion of effective prompting strategies
• Post-workshop resources for continued success with Copilot


Instructional Videos

Microsoft Copilot in PowerPoint

This video demonstrates how to use Copilot in PowerPoint to create presentations efficiently. It covers features such as the new narrative builder, slide deck generation, customization options, using a branded template to generate a presentation from a file, along with tips for adding animations and refining slides.

The tips discussed in this video require a Microsoft Copilot license for full integration with your Microsoft 365 applications. If you have not already requested a Microsoft Copilot license, please reach out to your IT staff to do so.


Microsoft OneDrive

As you learn more about OneDrive, you might have some questions about locating your files. In this video, you’ll learn how to access OneDrive, locate your OneDrive files, and find shared files. This video also covers navigating the OneDrive interface, becoming familiar with any file updates, and a quick save method for photos or videos on your mobile device to upload to OneDrive.


Microsoft Copilot in Excel

In this video, you’ll see some examples of how Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, Copilot, can assist with various Excel functions and commands. AI-driven suggestions are highlighted to get started, and you’ll see how to replace functions and formatting with Copilot to complete tasks and enhance productivity in spreadsheets.

The tips discussed in this video require a Microsoft Copilot license for full integration with your Microsoft 365 applications. If you have not already requested a Microsoft Copilot license, please reach out to your IT staff to do so. Thank you.


Microsoft Copilot in Teams

This video is a comprehensive guide on utilizing Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, Copilot, in Teams. It covers starting meetings, activating transcriptions, and using Copilot for meeting summaries. You’ll see how to simplify content in Team’s channels for review and using Copilot for message enhancements. The tutorial also demonstrates:

  • How to personalize Teams by pinning Copilot for easy access
  • How Copilot can assist in scheduling meetings by checking participant availability
  • How Copilot can help you prepare for meetings by suggesting relevant documents and conversations

The tips discussed in this video require a Microsoft Copilot license for full integration with your Microsoft 365 applications. If you have not already requested a Microsoft Copilot license, please reach out to your IT staff to do so.


Understanding Teams, Channels, and Chats in Microsoft Teams

This video provides an overview of Microsoft Teams, explaining the differences between teams, channels, and chats. It covers how to create and manage teams and channels, set up notifications, and how to use chat for quick, informal communication.