Microsoft Expands Copilot Access for Teen Students
Microsoft is expanding its Copilot offerings to include students aged 13 and older this summer. The company announced that administrators will be able to grant access to Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot based on their institution’s plans and preferences.
Key Features of Copilot Tools
Copilot Chat provides free, secure AI chat powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o model. Features include:
- File upload
- Image generation
- Copilot Pages
- Agents
- Enterprise data protection
- IT controls
Microsoft 365 Copilot adds the ability to:
- Integrate institutional data
- Work directly in productivity apps like Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, and Excel
- Use advanced measurement and management tools
Pilot Program Feedback
Several K-12 institutions participated in a Copilot Chat preview, introducing the technology to both educators and students. At Fulton County Schools in Georgia, an AI task force evaluated over 200 use cases to ensure alignment with district goals. The results were promising:
“After initial training, educators introduced Copilot Chat as a thought partner, provided coaching on topics like prompting, and quickly saw student confidence and curiosity increase.” – Microsoft
Students used Copilot Chat to:
- Ideate
- Receive immediate feedback
- Design multimedia projects
- Identify and fix code errors
- Adjust content based on their preferences or pace
- Manage their time
Educators reported that students were able to use Copilot Chat as a “force multiplier” to bring their ideas to life in ways they previously couldn’t.
Expert Insights
Several educators shared their experiences with Copilot Chat:
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Shane Tooley, assistant principal at St. Peter Claver College, emphasized the importance of guiding students in AI use: “If you’re on the fence about AI, it comes down to this: Your students will surprise you. Given the chance, they’ll use AI ethically and meaningfully.”
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Jorge Ledezma, director of educational technology at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, highlighted the need for AI literacy courses: “It’s crucial to provide AI literacy courses and resources so that students can learn how to use AI responsibly.”
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Lisvette Flores Quiñones from the Puerto Rico Department of Education found Copilot Chat beneficial for teaching and learning processes: “Copilot Chat’s use in education and document management has been incredibly beneficial… I encourage my students to start with Copilot Chat, adjust information to their learning style, and to be specific in their prompts.”
For more information about Microsoft’s Copilot expansion, you can read the full Microsoft blog post.
