Today’s Spotlight Series post will look at using Generative AI to create graphics or project designs. You don’t need to have a handle on photography, art, or Adobe Photoshop to be able to create AI designs, you just need to know what you’re looking for and how to ask for it. Once you are logged in, Microsoft Copilot has a Designer function that lets you create and edit images based on your prompts, and it would also allow you to design a project or even the structure of a presentation.
As we went over in our previous blog, working with Copilot requires you to create targeted prompts. For Copilot, a prompt is a command, question, request, or statement that gives it direction to generate the response. If you have a handle on that for information requests, you can apply the same to images or project designs.
Prompt Example 1: Creating a Specific Image
In this example the instructor is reading Fahrenheit 451 with their students, and wants to create an illustration of some of the feelings the main character, Guy Montag, is grappling with.
Prompt:
Create an image of a man looking sad and confused. He’s holding a large book in his hands, and standing in front of a building that has smoke coming out of it.
Response:
It’s not perfect, but if you wanted to have some kind of illustration relevant to the book, Copilot gives us a way to do that. My prompt was tailored towards specific details from the book, while still giving me room to adjust the image if I needed to. I might continue by directing Copilot to make the man look ‘less sad and more perplexed’ or ‘make the man look more angry’. You could also say “add a flying dog to the background” if you wanted, as long as the prompt was specific, you don’t need to have any real design knowledge to create a new image.
NOTE: It’s important to understand that Copilot can create digital renderings, but it also uses images from photography that lives on the internet. For example, Copilot could use a photo from a disaster as a background building. It’s an important reminder that we need to take a close look at the images before we use or share them.
Prompt Example 2: Project Design – Lecture Slides
Prompt:
Design lecture slides for a lecture on the history of education.
Response:
Lecture Title: The Evolution of Education: A Journey Through History
Slide 1: Title Slide
- Title: The Evolution of Education: A Journey Through History
- Subtitle: Understanding the Foundations of Modern Education
- Presenter’s Name
- Date
Slide 2: Introduction
- Welcome to the Lecture on the History of Education
- Overview of the Lecture Agenda
Slide 3: Objectives
- Understand the origins of formal education
- Explore key historical developments in education
- Identify influential figures and movements in the history of education
- Analyze the impact of historical events on modern educational practices
Slide 4: The Beginnings of Education
- Prehistoric and Ancient Educational Practices
- Oral Traditions and Early Teaching Methods
- Role of Shamans, Elders, and Religious Leaders in Education
Slide 5: Ancient Civilizations and Formal Education
- Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome
- Emergence of Written Language and Schools
- Importance of Literacy and Numeracy in Ancient Societies
Slide 6: Medieval Education
- Rise of Monastic Schools and Cathedral Schools
- Scholasticism and the Influence of Aristotle and Aquinas
- Role of Universities in Medieval Europe
Slide 7: Renaissance and Humanist Education
- Impact of Humanism on Education
- Gutenberg Printing Press and the Spread of Knowledge
- Renaissance Scholars and Educational Reform
Slide 8: The Enlightenment and Educational Reform
- Enlightenment Ideals and the Rise of Rationalism
- Contributions of John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Johann Pestalozzi
- Establishment of Public Education Systems
Slide 9: Industrial Revolution and Modern Education
- Shift from Agrarian to Industrial Society
- Rise of Mass Education and Compulsory Schooling
- Influence of Industrialists and Reformers on Education
Slide 10: Progressive Education Movement
- Philosophies of John Dewey and Maria Montessori
- Emphasis on Child-Centered Learning and Experiential Education
- Impact on Educational Practices in the 20th Century
Slide 11: Challenges and Changes in Contemporary Education
- Education in the Digital Age
- Globalization and Cultural Diversity in Education
- Current Debates and Trends in Educational Reform
Slide 12: Conclusion
- Summary of Key Points
- Importance of Understanding the History of Education
- Reflection on the Evolution of Educational Practices
Slide 13: References
- List of Books, Articles, and Online Resources for Further Reading
Slide 14: Questions and Discussion
- Open Floor for Questions, Comments, and Reflections
Note from AI attached to the above outline: Each slide should include relevant images, diagrams, or graphics to enhance engagement and understanding. The presentation should encourage active participation and critical thinking among students.
Whether you are trying to build an image from scratch, or create the design of a specific project, Copilot can either get you what you need or at least get you started. If you’re interested in generating images, please make sure you spend some time reading our post about prompt building, and become familiar with how to ask Copilot to work and rework your ideas. Make sure you come back for our next post on using AI to create alt text for images, now that you know how to create them!
