Rebecca Summits, Nick Lekakis & Tran Thuy Nguyen
Build a blended learning module
Convert your existing resources (PowerPoints, documents) into Canvas pages with interactive elements, knowledge checks, and activities; aligned to your syllabus/Unit of Competency.
Build a Blended Learning Module
How to create a custom Microsoft Copilot agent to automatically format raw text content with a specific HTML template for use in Canvas
This guide demonstrates how to use Microsoft Copilot to build a custom AI agent that automates the application of consistent HTML formatting to course content in Canvas. This approach saves significant time by eliminating the need to manually edit the code for each new page, ensuring a uniform look and feel across your course. A key limitation is the character limit in the agent's instruction field, which may require creating separate agents for different complex page templates.
00:39Navigate to the Agent Builder. In Microsoft Copilot, select 'Agents' from the left-hand menu, then click the '+' icon or 'New agent'.00:54Configure the new agent. Click 'Skip' on the initial prompt screen to go directly to the main configuration page. Give your agent a descriptive name.01:25Write the instructions for the agent. In the 'Instructions' box, describe the task. Specify that the agent should map information to the template without rewriting or summarising. Instruct it to also list any fields from the template that are missing in the source content you provide.02:08Copy the HTML code from your master template in Canvas. Open the page in Canvas that has the desired formatting, switch to the HTML Editor view (</>), and copy all of the code.03:09Paste the copied HTML code into the agent's instructions. Paste the HTML code directly below the text instructions you wrote in the previous step, all within the same 'Instructions' field.04:07Save the agent. Click the 'Update' or 'Create' button to save your agent's configuration.04:36Test the agent with your unformatted content. Navigate to your new agent's chat interface and paste the raw, unformatted text you want to apply the template to, then send the message.05:11Copy the generated HTML code. The agent will output the fully formatted HTML in a code block. Use the 'Copy code' button to copy it to your clipboard.05:28Paste the code into your new Canvas page. Create a new page in Canvas, switch to the HTML Editor view (</>), and paste the code generated by the agent.
Tool | This activity uses the agent builder feature in Microsoft Copilot. |
|---|---|
Example instructions | The presenter's agent instructions were: "Format provided content into a standardized HTML template, ensuring exact mapping of information without rewriting, summarizing, or paraphrasing. Output the populated template and a list of any fields missing from the source content." |
Key limitation | The agent's 'Instructions' field has a character limit (approximately 8000 characters), which may require you to create separate agents for different complex page templates rather than one agent for an entire module. |
Related skills
- Customise and train AI tools — This activity involves creating a custom agent in Microsoft Copilot by providing it with specific instructions and a HTML template to follow.
- Apply AI across platforms — This workflow demonstrates how to use Microsoft Copilot to generate content specifically for use on another platform (Canvas).
- Explore AI tool features — This guide focuses on using the 'Agent Builder', a specific feature within Microsoft Copilot, to create a specialised assistant.
- Refine and iterate prompts — The process requires writing precise instructions for the agent to ensure it formats content correctly without altering the substance.