Microsoft: AI Tools Will Help Manage Time, Boost Cognitive Work

Emma Okonji

Microsoft has demonstrated how leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like Generative AI, Responsible AI, Copilots among others, can help content developers and chief executive officers to organise their work in a better and faster way that will enable them save ample time for creative and fulfilling cognitive work.

Microsoft demonstrated the power of AI during the first phase of the Microsoft Africa AI Journalist Academy, which held virtually across select African countries, Nigeria inclusive.

The Director, Data and AI, Microsoft South Africa, Ayanda Ngcebetsha and Business Program Manager, Microsoft South Africa, Trusha Vanmali, who spoke at the AI Journalist Academy, organised by Microsoft, stressed the importance of AI tools in summarising reports, carrying out accurate research, imputing language translation and coordinating several meetings in one day, while making the best use of the available time.

They said although 2023 was the year AI went mainstream, 2024 would be the year in which AI tools would help free up time for more creative and fulfilling cognitive work.  

Speaking at the recent virtual meeting, Ngcebetsha said copilot, which is an AI tool, could help content developers in writing, coding, summarising and searching for specific information like charts and tables that would help them develop good reports in less time. According to her, copilot is like a personal assistant that works alongside the user in all sorts of digital applications, helping with things like writing, coding, summarising and searching. It can also help the user to make decisions and understand lots of data. The recent development of large language models made copilots possible, allowing them to comprehend natural human language and provide answers, create content or take action as people work within different computer programs.

“Copilots are built with Responsible AI guardrails to make sure they are safe and secure and are used in a good way. Just like a copilot in an airplane, it’s not in charge, but it’s a tool that can help you be more productive and efficient,” Ngcebetsha said.

She further explained that in searching for specific information, the researcher must input key words that would pop up specific information within few seconds, adding that chief executive officers can leverage on AI tools to arrange and attend several meetings, even if unprepared.