UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT), part of Penn State University Libraries, is accepting applications through April 21 for the 2025-26 Faculty Engagement Awards. This year’s theme is “Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Teaching including Microsoft CoPilot 365.”
Recipients of the Faculty Engagement Awards will focus on integrating readily available generative AI tools like Microsoft CoPilot and Adobe Firefly along with one-year access to Microsoft CoPilot 365 and ChatGPT Teams. Access to these tools will focus on the ability of generative AI to assist in course planning and content delivery. Microsoft CoPilot 365’s integration with Word, Excel and PowerPoint will be explored to understand how the AI-powered tool can modernize content creation, support data analysis and evolve presentation design.
“We’re excited to partner with faculty to explore how generative AI can enhance teaching, streamline workload and improve student engagement,” said Amy Kuntz, an instructional designer with TLT. “This initiative allows faculty to experiment with AI-driven tools in ways that support their instructional goals and to harness AI capabilities in ways that are meaningful, effective and student-centered.”
TLT’s Faculty Engagement Awards are granted annually around a theme that combines sound pedagogy and digital tools. This year’s focus, “Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Teaching including Microsoft CoPilot 365,” intends to leverage generative AI for:
- Microsoft Word: Automate document formatting, generate summaries, and refine instructional materials with AI-driven insights.
- Microsoft Excel: Utilize AI-powered data analysis, assist with grading and feedback, and generate predictive models for student performance.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: Enhance presentations with AI-assisted slide design, generate real-time content suggestions and create more engaging instructional materials.
During their project, award recipients will collaborate with instructional designers to identify use cases, explore constraints, and establish best practices for incorporating generative AI into their teaching. Additionally, TLT staff will help to assess the technology’s impact and share relevant findings with the Penn State community.
Award recipients will be notified in early May.