Explore how tools extend agents beyond conversation, connect to systems, support actions, and help create more useful, task-oriented AI solutions for real business workflows.
In Introduction to Copilot Studio: Tools, Amelia Roberts explains how tools extend what Copilot Studio agents can do beyond simple conversation. This course introduces the role of tools in agent design and shows how they help agents take action, retrieve information, connect to systems, and support more useful business workflows. The focus is on helping learners understand when a tool is needed, how it fits into the overall agent experience, and why tools are essential for building agents that can do more than answer basic questions.
You’ll learn how tools support more capable Copilot Studio solutions by connecting agent instructions, user intent, and real operational tasks. Amelia walks through the practical considerations behind choosing and configuring tools, including when to rely on built-in capabilities, when to connect to external systems, and how to think about reliability, permissions, and user experience. By the end, you’ll understand how tools help turn Copilot Studio agents into more functional, task-oriented solutions.
Course Outline ( Free Preview)
Module 00 - Introduction
Amelia introduces the role of tools in Copilot Studio and explains how they expand what agents can do. You’ll get a high-level overview of the tool options covered in the course, including connectors, prompts, flows, workflows, MCP, computer use, APIs, and custom connectors. This module sets the foundation for choosing the right tool based on what your agent needs to accomplish.
Module 01 - Connectors
Learn how connectors help Copilot Studio agents connect to apps, services, and data sources. Amelia explains how connectors can extend an agent beyond conversation by allowing it to retrieve information or support actions in other systems. This module helps learners understand connectors as one of the main building blocks for practical business agents.
Module 02 - Custom Prompts11 min.
Explore how custom prompts can shape more specific and reusable AI behavior. Amelia explains how prompts can be designed for repeatable tasks, structured responses, and scenario-specific outputs. You’ll learn how custom prompts help make agent responses more consistent and aligned with a defined business need.
Module 03 - Agent Flows12 min.
Learn how agent flows help agents complete structured, multi-step tasks. Amelia explains how flows can guide logic, collect information, and connect user requests to meaningful actions. This module helps learners understand when a simple response is not enough and a more controlled agent process is needed.
Module 04 - Workflows8 min.
Explore how workflows support automation and process execution from within an agent experience. Amelia explains how workflows can help move tasks forward, reduce manual steps, and connect the agent to repeatable business processes. This module focuses on using tools to turn conversations into action.
Module 05 - Model Context Protocol (MCP)9 min.
Get introduced to Model Context Protocol and how it can help agents connect with tools and external capabilities in a more standardized way. Amelia explains the purpose of MCP and why it matters for expanding what agents can access or perform. This module helps learners understand MCP as an emerging option for more flexible agent integration.
Module 06 - Computer Use24 min.
Learn how computer use can allow agents to interact with interfaces and complete tasks in a more hands-on way. Amelia explains where this capability may fit, what makes it different from API-based automation, and why careful review is important. This module helps learners understand both the potential and the caution needed when agents act through user interfaces.
Module 07 - REST API Tools9 min.
Explore how REST API tools let Copilot Studio agents connect directly to services and systems through API calls. Amelia explains why APIs are useful for retrieving data, sending information, or triggering actions in external platforms. This module helps learners understand REST APIs as a powerful option when built-in tools or connectors are not enough.
Module 08 - Custom Connectors11 min.
Learn how custom connectors can be used when an organization needs to connect to systems that are not covered by standard connectors. Amelia explains how custom connectors can package API access into a reusable tool for agents and other Power Platform solutions. This module helps learners understand when custom connectors are worth the extra setup and governance effort.
Module 09 - Choosing the Right Tool8 min.
Bring the course together by comparing the different tool options available in Copilot Studio. Amelia explains how to choose based on the task, data source, complexity, security needs, and user experience. This module helps learners avoid overbuilding and select the tool that best supports the agent’s purpose.
Amelia Roberts holds a Master's Degree in Education and spent more than a decade teaching students in K-12 classrooms before bringing her passion for learning and technology to Pragmatic Works. Her background as an educator gives her a unique ability to break down complex topics, connect with learners of all skill levels, and help people feel confident adopting new technologies.
Today, Amelia specializes in Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, AI adoption, and custom agent development. She works with organizations to help them move beyond the hype of AI and focus on practical ways to increase productivity, improve business processes, and solve real-world challenges. Whether she's leading an executive workshop, building a custom AI solution, or teaching a hands-on training course, Amelia is focused on helping people find meaningful ways to use technology in their everyday work.
In addition to her AI expertise, Amelia has extensive experience with Microsoft Power Platform and Power BI, helping organizations automate processes, connect systems, and turn data into actionable insights. She enjoys partnering with both business and technical teams to identify opportunities for innovation and create solutions that deliver lasting value.
Known for her energetic and engaging teaching style, Amelia believes learning should be practical, interactive, and immediately applicable. Her goal is simple: help people leave every session feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to put what they've learned into action.
Outside of work, Amelia enjoys reading, trying new foods, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.
