A Quick Guide to Microsoft Copilot Chat

Microsoft Copilot Chat is grounded in the web. In generative AI (Gen AI), grounded models connect the output to current web search results, allowing the tool to access current and updated data sources. 

What is Grounded AI?

Grounding Gen AI gives the tool the ability to retrieve real-world data (i.e. search engines) and reference verifiable sources of information. According to Google, grounding can reduce the likelihood of generating inaccurate responses by anchoring responses to current data. 

AI tools that aren’t grounded will rely solely on their training data. For example, the older ChatGPT 3.5 could only respond based on the dataset it collected before September 2021. OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Search in both the free and paid versions, helping mitigate the knowledge cutoff of the training data.

Grounded AI tools include:

• Microsoft Copilot Chat
• Google Gemini
• Perplexity AI

As a student, you have access to Microsoft Copilot’s secure version to keep your data protected. Simply use your UCalgary IT account to log into Microsoft Copilot. Even when using the secure version, never upload personal and confidential information.

Can You Use Gen AI in Your Course?

Before using AI tools for your courses, you must confirm with your instructor that AI use is allowed instead of assuming AI is allowed. Never try to claim AI-generated content as your own. 

How to Use Copilot Chat

Gen AI can turn the learning process conversational. This means you can adjust complexity so that the AI tool you use can match your pace.

You should still be careful with what you upload to the AI tool. Many tools retain inputs to further train the system. You should also avoid uploading copyrighted material (i.e. lectures, course outlines, etc.) since this could result in unauthorized reproduction or misuse of copyrighted material. 

Support your studying

Use Copilot Chat to help:

• Summarize, translate, or simplify complex content
• Create flashcards or general questions for reviewing
• Outline to-do lists and project timelines

Note that GenAI is known to hallucinate and “make things up.” While the tool can present information in a consumable format, It’s important to review AI-generated outputs for correctness—even when the outputs look plausible and sound convincing. 

Support your writing

Use Copilot Chat to help:

• Brainstorm topics
• Outline an essay
• Sort through literature
• Paraphrase or synthesize information
• Revise content and make suggestions

Note that, like when you use AI as a study aide, you should still double check its outputs. GenAI can be particularly helpful when you feel stuck, but these tools should not replace your academic effort.

Additional Resources

The University of Calgary offers multiple services to support your learning and writing. Here are a few resources to get you started:

• Centre for Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Literacy and Integrity (CAIELI)
• Libraries & Cultural Resources on Artificial Intelligence
• Writing Support Services

References

Microsoft. (2025, April 18.) Overview of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/overview

OpenAI. (2025, June 27). ChatGPT Search. https://help.openai.com/en/articles/9237897-chatgpt-search