Generative artificial intelligence (AI) services like Microsoft Copilot are changing higher education in unprecedented ways. Faculty, staff, and administrators are asking important questions regarding the acceptable use of these services and how they might best be used in service of educational goals. Meanwhile, reliable information on the effectiveness of these new services in both instructional and non-instructional settings is lacking.
The Minnesota State system office supports the exploration of new and emerging technologies to promote student success, support the financial well-being of our institutions, and advance the goals of Equity 2030.
Microsoft Copilot Evaluation Program
The Educational Development and Technology (EDT) unit at the Minnesota State system office is pleased to announce the launch of the Microsoft Copilot Evaluation Program, an initiative dedicated to planning for, developing, deploying, and evaluating the effectiveness of generative AI in instructional and non-instructional settings.
EDT will purchase Microsoft Copilot licenses for teams working on prototype projects during fiscal years 2025 and 2026. A prototype project incorporates Microsoft Copilot into an existing business process or instructional activity to evaluate the technology’s capacity for enhancing outcomes.
Teams will plan for, develop, deploy, and evaluate their prototypes for scale. Prototypes exhibiting noteworthy outcomes will then be encouraged for adoption system wide.
Minnesota State employees are invited to submit a prototype project proposal for consideration in this evaluation program. Prototype project proposals are due Friday, June 21, 2024.
Contact
Stephen Kelly
EDT Project Manager
Minnesota State
