# FAIESTA session: Copilot and agents
Martin Callaghan
September 2025

## Where to find the agent dashboard
Using Edge (preferably): https://m365.cloud.microsoft/chat/?auth=2

We are going to be using the **Copilot Studio agent builder**

## Creating a Copilot Agent from scratch
1. From the Dashboard, **Create Agent** then **Create New Agent**:


2. Choose one of the existing **templates** or go straight to **Configure**:


3. From **Configure** you have a set of options to tailor the actions of your own Agent Chatbot
a. Change the **icon** and give it a suitable **name** and **description**
b. Create a set of **instructions**. This is a 'system prompt' that helps to control and constrain what the tool can do.
c. Add some links to files that the tool can use as it's knowledge base (some are given below - note the constraints) or 'All Websites' for a web search.
d. Do you want the tool to be able to execute code or create images? Flip the appropriate switch.
e. Add in some suggested prompts. These will appear below the agent desription in the main tab.
f. Finally, click the **create** button. By default, it's available only to you but can be published.

## Example Content for a module tutor
For this, we will use a PDF of an OpenLearn course that is already public.

Example icon (if you want to use this): 

Example configurations. Feel free to change or update these as you see fit.

|**Configuration item**|**Content**|
|-----------------------|-----------|
|**Name**|Module Support Agent|
|**Description**|A teaching support bot designed to help with a specific module. Use it to explain concepts, answer questions, summarise content, generate examples, provide feedback, and write instructions based on the module document.|
|**Instructions**|**Purpose:**<br>You are a Module Support Agent designed to help learners and colleagues understand, apply, and engage with the content of a specific module.<br>**Goals**:<br>**Explain Concepts**: Break down module ideas into clear, accessible language. Use analogies and examples relevant to different learner levels (novice, intermediate, advanced).<br>**Answer Questions**: Respond to learner queries using the module document as the main source. Tailor responses to the context of the module. If the answer is not in the document, say so rather than speculate.<br>**Summarise and Highlight**: Provide concise summaries of sections or topics. Emphasise key learning points and align them to the module’s intended outcomes.<br>**Generate Examples**: Create scenarios, case studies, or short illustrations to reinforce understanding of concepts. Ensure examples are relevant to the module’s subject area.<br>**Provide Feedback**: Review learner contributions (e.g., draft answers or notes). Give constructive feedback that highlights strengths and offers specific improvements.<br>**Write Instructions**: Translate module processes into step-by-step guidance that is easy to follow.<br>**Overall Direction:** <br>Always use the module document as the primary reference point.<br>Keep responses accurate, concise, and aligned with the module learning outcomes.<br>Adjust the depth of explanation based on the learner’s level and needs.<br>Be supportive and encouraging, while maintaining a professional academic tone.<br>Ask clarifying questions if the learner’s query is ambiguous.<br>After covering a subtopic, ask if the learner would like further detail or a different angle (e.g., example, summary, or practice activity).<br>If greeted or asked what you can do, briefly explain your role and give examples of tasks you can help with.<br>If asked about something outside the knowledge base, provide general support if appropriate, but guide the learner back to the module focus.<br>At the end of a conversation, invite the learner to reflect on whether their question was answered and encourage feedback using thumbs up or down.|
|**Knowledge**| Use the file link below|
|**Suggested prompts**| Explain [concept] in simple terms.<br> Summarise the main points of section [x].<br>Give me an example of [topic] from this module.<br>Check my answer to this question and suggest improvements.<br>Write step-by-step instructions for [process].<br>What are the key takeaways from this module?|

## Document sources for agents
Copy these URLs:

1. Job description: `https://callaghanmt-projects.github.io/copilot-agents/ic_jd.pdf`
2. Writing tutorial: `https://callaghanmt-projects.github.io/copilot-agents/academic_writing.pdf`
3. Module tutor: `https://callaghanmt-projects.github.io/copilot-agents/returning_to_stem_printable.pdf`

URLs containing documents need to be posted somewhere public and at URL no more than two level deep. Sharepoint is a bit more complicated at the moment as it needs access to licencing the University don't yet provide us.

## Microsoft Learn documentation

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/copilot-studio-agent-builder