Learn what Foundry is, how agents work, how tools and custom actions extend them, how Foundry IQ supports grounding and knowledge, and how to publish, govern, and build a full agent.
In Introduction to Microsoft Foundry, Amelia Roberts introduces learners to Microsoft Foundry and the core concepts behind building AI agents in the Foundry ecosystem. This course is designed to help learners understand what Foundry is, how agents fit into the platform, and how tools, custom actions, grounding, and knowledge sources support more capable AI solutions. The focus is on giving learners a clear foundation before moving into a full agent build.
Throughout the course, learners will explore how agents are structured, how Foundry IQ supports grounding and knowledge, and how publishing and governance fit into the agent lifecycle. Amelia also walks through tools and custom actions, helping learners understand how agents can move beyond conversation and take meaningful action. By the end, learners will have a practical understanding of Microsoft Foundry and how to start building, grounding, publishing, and governing AI agents.
Course Outline ( Free Preview)
Module 00 - Introduction
Amelia introduces Microsoft Foundry and explains what learners will explore throughout the course. You’ll get a high-level overview of Foundry, agents, tools, grounding, publishing, governance, and the final agent build. This module sets the foundation for understanding how the pieces of the Foundry ecosystem work together.
Module 01 - What is Foundry?
Learn what Microsoft Foundry is and why it matters for building AI solutions. Amelia explains the role Foundry plays in creating, managing, and extending AI experiences. This module helps learners understand the platform at a conceptual level before moving into agents and hands-on build concepts.
Module 02 - What is an Agent in Foundry?10 min.
Explore what an agent is within Foundry and how it differs from a basic AI chat experience. Amelia explains how agents use instructions, tools, knowledge, and context to support more purposeful interactions. This module helps learners understand the role agents play in turning AI into a more structured business solution.
Module 03 - Tools and Custom Actions12 min.
Learn how tools and custom actions extend what an agent can do. Amelia explains how these capabilities help agents connect to systems, retrieve information, trigger actions, or support more advanced workflows. This module helps learners see how agents can move beyond answering questions and begin supporting real tasks.
Module 04 - Grounding and Knowledge with Foundry IQ9 min.
Explore how Foundry IQ supports grounding and knowledge for AI agents. Amelia explains why agents need reliable information sources and how grounding helps improve relevance, accuracy, and usefulness. This module helps learners understand how knowledge and context shape better agent responses.
Module 05 - Publishing and Governance7 min.
Learn what it means to publish an agent and manage it responsibly. Amelia explains how governance supports security, access, quality, and control as agents move from build mode to real user scenarios. This module helps learners understand that successful AI solutions require oversight, not just development.
Module 06 - Full Agent Build28 min.
Bring the course concepts together by walking through a full agent build. Amelia shows how Foundry concepts, agents, tools, grounding, knowledge, publishing, and governance connect in a practical workflow. This module helps learners see the complete process and understand how to start applying Foundry in real projects.
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.
