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Session 2 – Power BI & Copilot: The AI‑Enhanced Developer (60 min)

Session Overview

In this session, you will connect Power BI Desktop to your semantic model, explore Copilot features, and practice using AI-powered analytics. By the end, you’ll be able to generate DAX, create dashboards, and summarize insights using Copilot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Launch Power BI Desktop
    Sign in with your organizational credentials.

    Power BI Desktop login screen Copilot icon in Power BI Desktop

  2. Connect to the Semantic Model
    In Power BI Desktop, open the OneLake catalog and select direct lake demo (ensure it is the semantic model).

    OneLake Catalog selection Selecting the semantic model

  3. Open the Copilot Pane
    Go to Home ► Copilot. Ensure the Copilot preview toggle is ON.

    Copilot Pane in Power BI

  4. Practice Prompt #1
    In Copilot, type:
    Show total sales by product category.

  5. Troubleshoot Q&A Error
    If you receive an error, proceed to the next step.

    Q&A Error message

  6. Enable Q&A Settings
    In your browser, find the semantic model, click the ellipsis (...) and select Settings.

    Model Settings in Power BI Service

  7. Turn On Q&A
    Find the Q&A section and check the box Turn on Q&A to ask natural language questions about your data. Click Apply.

    Q&A Settings screen Q&A Settings enabled

  8. Retry the Prompt
    Try the prompt again:
    Show total sales by product category.

    Prompt 1 results

  9. Generate DAX with Copilot
    Prompt:
    Create year-over-year sales growth measure.
    Then ask:
    Explain this DAX.
    Note: The explanation may not always be helpful.

    Prompt 2 results

  10. Use DAX Query View
    In Power BI Desktop, open the DAX Query View (icon below Model view). Click the Copilot icon and type:
    Create year-over-year sales growth measure.
    Then click Explain this query. Create the measures in your semantic model.

    Prompt 2.1 results DAX Explain screenshot

  11. Create a Dashboard with Copilot
    In Report view, prompt:
    Create an executive dashboard showing total sales, profit %, and top 5 products.
    Let Copilot lay out the report, then tweak titles or chart types as needed.
    Your results may vary.

    Prompt 3 results

  12. Generate a Narrative
    Prompt:
    Summarize this page in three bullet points.
    Note if the summary makes sense. Your results may vary.

    Prompt 4 results

  13. Debrief and Reflect
    With your group, discuss:

    • What did Copilot do well?
    • Where did it struggle?
    • Bring examples to the next lab, where we will optimize the model further.

Tips for Success: - If you get stuck, ask your instructor or a classmate for help. - Pause at checkpoints to review your progress. - Share your screen if you need troubleshooting assistance.

Let your instructor know if you need further clarification or support!