Module 1: Getting Started with Copilot in Excel

Learning Objectives

• Understand what Copilot is and how it integrates with Excel
• Locate and open the Copilot pane
• Learn the fundamentals of writing effective prompts

Topics

• Overview of Copilot capabilities
• Navigating the Copilot interface
• Data preparation for optimal results
• Reviewing and validating Copilot output

Module 2: Creating Calculated Columns with Copilot

Learning Objectives

• Use natural language to generate formulas
• Understand how Copilot interprets calculation requests
• Edit and refine Copilot generated formulas

Topics

• Basic arithmetic formulas
• Conditional logic (IF, IFS, SWITCH)
• Text manipulation (LEFT, RIGHT, CONCAT, TEXTSPLIT)
• Lookup functions (VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH)
• Troubleshooting incorrect formulas

Hands On Exercises

• Create a calculated column from a prompt
• Rewrite a formula for improved accuracy

Module 3: Data Manipulation with Copilot

Learning Objectives

• Use Copilot to sort, filter, and transform data
• Apply conditional formatting using natural language
• Highlight key insights automatically

Topics

• Sorting and filtering with prompts
• Creating custom conditional formatting rules
• Highlighting trends, outliers, and duplicates
• Using Copilot for quick data cleanup

Hands On Exercises

• Apply conditional formatting based on criteria
• Use Copilot to clean messy data

Module 4: Data Analysis with Copilot

Learning Objectives

• Generate pivot tables and summaries using prompts
• Create charts and visualizations
• Interpret insights generated by Copilot

Topics

• Summarizing data with pivot tables
• Creating bar, line, pie, and combo charts
• Asking Copilot for insights and explanations
• Using Copilot to identify trends and anomalies

Hands On Exercises

• Build a pivot table from a prompt
• Generate a chart and refine it

Module 5: Advanced Copilot Applications

Learning Objectives

• Use Copilot for complex formulas and array functions
• Automate multi step tasks
• Understand limitations and ethical considerations

Topics

• Dynamic array formulas (FILTER, SORT, UNIQUE, SEQUENCE)
• Data transformation (splitting, merging, reshaping)
• Using Copilot for scenario analysis
• Responsible use of AI in data workflows

Hands On Exercises

• Generate an advanced formula from a prompt
• Use Copilot to transform a dataset

Module 6: Prompt Engineering for Excel

Learning Objectives

• Craft precise prompts for accurate results
• Use iterative prompting to refine outputs
• Understand how Copilot interprets context

Topics

• Writing clear, structured prompts
• Using examples and constraints in prompts
• Troubleshooting vague or incorrect responses
• Best practices for repeatable results

Hands On Exercises

• Rewrite weak prompts into strong ones
• Compare different prompt styles

Module 7: Real World Scenarios and Practice

Scenarios

• Budget analysis
• Sales reporting
• Inventory management
• Data cleanup and transformation
• KPI dashboards

Capstone Activity

Participants complete a full workflow using Copilot:

• Clean data
• Create calculated columns
• Build a pivot table
• Generate charts
• Ask Copilot for insights

Course Wrap Up

• Review of key skills
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Tips for integrating Copilot into daily Excel work
• Final Q&A or assessment