Functioning prototypes
Working Microsoft solutions tested end to end against defined acceptance scenarios.
Stephanie Clifton · The AI Elective
Designing practical AI adoption for education.
I explore how Microsoft AI technologies could help schools and trusts reduce workload, improve decision-making and build sustainable AI capability. The AI Elective documents my consultancy-style proof-of-concept solutions, adoption frameworks and learning journey.
Functioning prototypesResponsible adoption thinkingHonest learning in public
What you will find here
A solutions portfolio built around real education workflows
The Solutions Page separates fully functioning, tested prototypes from active builds and earlier-stage concepts, so the maturity of every solution is immediately clear.
Microsoft architecture
Thoughtful use of Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Platform and connected services.
Adoption frameworks
Discovery, prioritisation, governance, piloting, measurement and scaling.
Learning in public
Honest reflections on decisions, mistakes, certifications and evolving practice.
Powered by Microsoft
An integrated AI and automation architecture
Familiar Microsoft services working together as one secure, governed ecosystem rather than a disconnected collection of tools.
Productivity foundation
Microsoft 365
DataverseAI and agent layer
Microsoft Copilot
Copilot Studio
Azure AI FoundryAction, apps and insight
Power Automate
Power Apps
Power BI
Microsoft FabricSecurity & compliance
Enterprise controls, privacy and governance.
Human oversight
People remain accountable for important decisions.
Responsible AI
Transparent, inclusive and proportionate by design.
Measurable impact
Every concept is linked to clearly defined expected outcomes.
Designed around outcomes
AI that earns its place
Time Saved
Creating organisational capacity through intelligent automation of repetitive, low-value work.
Measurable Value
Every concept begins with a business problem and defines the expected outcomes, implementation approach and measures that would be used to evaluate impact.
Responsible AI
Built with governance, transparency, data protection and meaningful human oversight from the outset.
From the Staffroom
A learning journal in progress
The latest reflections from the journey into Microsoft's AI ecosystem. This section updates automatically whenever a new Staffroom entry is added.
Enter the Staffroom
Musings from the learning journey.
The AI Elective Solutions
Solutions Page
Explore solutions by maturity: fully built and tested prototypes first, active builds next, then the wider concept library.
Built
Functioning Prototypes
Two end-to-end solutions that have been acceptance tested, regression tested and documented with downloadable portfolio evidence.
Functioning PrototypeAcceptance & regression tested✓
School Admin
Enquiries Email Agent
Drafts accurate, branded enquiry responses from approved knowledge while keeping staff in control of every send.
1Receive2Interpret3Ground4Review
Why I built this
Routine enquiries consume administrative capacity and can produce inconsistent responses. This prototype tests whether grounded AI drafting can release time while retaining human judgement.
Copilot StudioPower AutomatePortfolio evidence
Full Use CaseFull Use Case
Solution at a GlanceSolution at a Glance
Functioning PrototypeAcceptance & regression tested✓
Leadership
Leadership Briefing Agent
Turns Outlook calendar and inbox evidence into a prioritised, editable weekly leadership briefing.
1Ask2Analyse3Prioritise4Deliver
Why I built this
Senior leaders spend time reconciling diary commitments, emails, deadlines and preparation requirements. I built this to test whether Microsoft 365 evidence could be turned into a selective, decision-focused weekly briefing.
Copilot StudioPower AutomatePortfolio evidence
Full Use CaseFull Use Case
Solution at a GlanceSolution at a Glance
In Build
Functioning Prototypes - currently under construction
Active builds with the intended workflow and Microsoft architecture defined; detail will expand as each functioning prototype is completed and tested.
Functioning PrototypeCurrently under construction↗
Teaching & Learning
Student Intervention Hub
Coordinate intervention groups, registers and attendance insight in one joined-up workflow.
1Allocate2Register3Track4Review
Why I built this
Intervention is often managed across separate lists, registers and reports. This prototype is being built to connect student allocation, session attendance and leadership insight in one practical workflow.
Power AppsDataversePower AutomatePower BI
Functioning PrototypeCurrently under construction↗
Teaching & Learning
Teaching & Learning Assistant
Give teachers faster access to trusted guidance, resources and design principles, rooted in your organisation’s resources.
1Brief2Retrieve3Refine4Approve
Why I built this
Teachers need quick access to trusted organisational guidance without losing professional autonomy. I built this to create useful starting points grounded in an organisation’s own resources and design principles.
Microsoft CopilotCopilot StudioConcept library
Proof of Concept Solutions
Earlier-stage ideas kept intentionally concise: the problem, the proposed use and the Microsoft stack.
Proof of ConceptEarly-stage solution concept↗
Central Services
Marketing & Brand Management Agent
Create consistent school communications while protecting brand quality and governance.
Microsoft CopilotPower Automate
Proof of ConceptEarly-stage solution concept↗
School Admin
School Trip Agent
Simplify trip administration by bringing information, documents and communications together.
Power AutomateDataverse
Proof of ConceptEarly-stage solution concept↗
Leadership
Meeting Action Tracker
Capture decisions automatically and keep actions visible, owned and on track.
Power AutomateMicrosoft 365
Proof of ConceptEarly-stage solution concept↗
Pastoral & Safeguarding
Attendance Analysis Assistant
Identify attendance patterns earlier so staff can intervene with greater confidence and impact.
Power BIPower Automate
Proof of ConceptEarly-stage solution concept↗
SEND & Student Support
EHCP Assistant
Update staff and help them navigate EHCP documentation more efficiently while supporting consistent practice.
Copilot StudioDataverseNo matching solutions found.
My AI adoption approach
A repeatable path from problem to responsible scale
This is the process I would use to turn an opportunity into a governed pilot and, where the evidence supports it, a sustainable implementation.
Discover
Understand users, workflows and friction.
Prioritise
Balance value, readiness and risk.
Design
Shape the human-led solution and architecture.
Govern
Set controls, ownership and escalation.
Pilot
Test safely with a defined user group.
Measure
Evaluate quality, value and experience.
Scale
Expand only where evidence supports it.
Why I built The AI Elective
I chose to design the work before I had permission to deploy it.
I created The AI Elective to give myself a dedicated space to explore what effective AI adoption could look like across education.
Using realistic educational scenarios and consultancy-style methodologies, I've developed a portfolio of proof-of-concept solutions that demonstrate how Microsoft AI technologies could support schools and trusts. Each concept explores discovery, process redesign, solution architecture, governance and implementation planning, while remaining transparent about its current stage of development.
This portfolio reflects how I approach AI adoption: understanding the problem first, designing with people and process in mind, considering responsible governance from the outset, and focusing on measurable outcomes. While these concepts have not yet been deployed in a live organisation, they represent the way I think about solving real-world challenges and the type of work I hope to deliver at scale.
Start with the workflow
Understand the people, friction, risks and desired outcome before selecting a tool.
Keep humans accountable
AI supports professional judgement; it does not replace safeguarding, governance or decision ownership.
Measure the difference
Define pilot hypotheses around time, quality, capacity, consistency, experience and organisational value.
The AI Elective