Overview
This intermediate-level course provides developers with practical skills to extend Microsoft 365 Copilot using declarative agents, API plugins, and Microsoft Graph connectors. Participants will learn to build intelligent agents that integrate external data sources, enhance user interactions with Adaptive Cards, and manage secure API authentication. Utilising Visual Studio Code and the Teams Toolkit, learners will gain hands-on experience in creating and deploying custom solutions that enhance the capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Prerequisites
Participants should have:
- Basic proficiency in JavaScript or TypeScript
- Familiarity with Visual Studio Code
- Understanding of RESTful APIs and authentication mechanisms
- An active Microsoft 365 tenant with appropriate permissions
Target Audience
This course is designed for:
- Developers seeking to customise and extend Microsoft 365 Copilot functionalities
- Technical professionals interested in integrating external data sources into Microsoft 365 applications
- IT professionals aiming to enhance organisational productivity through AI-driven solutions
Delegates will learn how to
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Develop declarative agents tailored to specific business scenarios
- Integrate external APIs using API plugins to fetch real-time data
- Design and implement Adaptive Cards for enhanced user interactions
- Configure secure authentication for API plugins using API keys and OAuth2
- Utilise Microsoft Graph connectors to incorporate external data into Microsoft 365 Copilot
Outline
Introduction to Declarative Agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Explore the concept of declarative agents and their role in extending Microsoft 365 Copilot. Understand scenarios where custom knowledge and actions enhance Copilot's capabilities.
Building Your First Declarative Agent Using Visual Studio Code
- Learn to define and create a declarative agent tailored to a specific scenario. Implement custom knowledge to provide accurate and relevant responses within Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Introduction to Actions with API Plugins for Declarative Agents
- Understand the purpose and function of API plugins in declarative agents. Identify scenarios where integrating external APIs enhances agent functionality.
Building Your First Action for Declarative Agents with API Plugin
- Develop a declarative agent that utilises API plugins to access and process external data in real-time, optimising responses for specific scenarios.
Using Adaptive Cards to Display Data in API Plugins
- Enhance user experience by implementing Adaptive Cards to render API data visually. Create and configure Adaptive Card templates, integrate them into API plugins, and test within Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Authenticating Your API Plugin for Declarative Agents with Secured APIs
- Learn methods to secure API integrations using API keys and OAuth2. Configure authentication mechanisms to ensure secure data access within declarative agents.
Adding Custom Knowledge to Declarative Agents Using Microsoft Graph Connectors
- Integrate external data sources into Microsoft 365 Copilot by building declarative agents that utilise Microsoft Graph connectors. Access and incorporate data stored outside of Microsoft 365 to enrich agent responses.
Exams and Assessments
Participants will complete module assessments to evaluate their understanding. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a digital badge recognising their proficiency in extending Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Hands-on Learning
This course is delivered through a combination of Self-paced online modules with interactive content
- Hands-on labs using Visual Studio Code and Teams Toolkit
- Practical exercises to reinforce learning objectives
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.