Category: Enterprise Tech

Free Online Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Courses For 2020

 

The demand for people with knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) hugely outstrips the supply. This means that learning and gaining qualifications in these subjects can be a great way to enhance your career prospects. However, not everyone has the spare time and money to spend years studying for a degree or other formal qualifications.

Today, with the wealth of freely available educational content online, it may not be necessary. There are so many courses, tutorials, and guides available online that it is perfectly possible to gain a thorough grounding in these subjects without paying a penny. What’s more, you can study at your own speed in your own time. Some of these materials are produced by the world’s leading universities, while others are put together by experienced professionals keen to share their knowledge.

These courses are aimed at a range of different audiences – maybe you want to actually learn how to design and code AI algorithms, maybe you want to bolt together the increasing range of “DIY” AI tools and services that are available, or maybe you need to manage AI projects in your organization. Whatever your needs, you are likely to find something here that will expand your horizons.

 

Elements of AI – Helsinki University

This is an elementary-level class aimed at anyone who wants to understand what AI does, how it might affect them, and what it can be used for, without getting involved in the underlying mathematics and statistics. It demonstrates that in-depth knowledge of those fields isn’t necessary to start taking advantage of the opportunities offered by AI and machine learning, and includes practical exercises. Originally available only in Finland (and in Finnish) as part of the government’s drive to educate its population on AI, last year, the decision was made to make it available to the world.

 

Learn with Google AI

This collection of tutorials, guides, and resources has grown considerably since I last highlighted it. As well as basic tutorials covering the fundamentals, it also offers instructions on applying AI and ML to social, environmental and humanitarian challenges, as well information on how to ensure that your AI implementations are both ethical and “people-centric”. This all helps to build a broad understanding of the many factors – technological or otherwise – that are important to consider when considering how AI could work for you.

 

Intro to Artificial Intelligence – Udacity

This course starts with the fundamentals of statistics and logic before progressing to discussing more applied, specific uses of AI, including robotics, computer vision, and natural language processing. It is taught by two experienced AI researchers, Peter Norvig and Sebastian Thrun, and is designed to take around four months to complete.

 

Machine Learning – Stanford University (Coursera)

Often cited by AI experts as the single most important online resource for anyone wanting to learn AI, this course is led by Andrew Ng, who founded Google’s pioneering Google Brain deep learning program. This course gives a thorough grounding in the mathematical, statistical, and computer science fundamentals that go into developing and deploying automated learning machines.

 

AI for Everyone – Andrew Ng (Coursera)

Another course from Andrew Ng – this one explicitly aimed at those who don’t need an in-depth technical understanding of the subject but who may want to begin leveraging AI in their organizations or working to roll out AI initiatives while working with non-technical teams. It covers the workflow of running AI projects as well as how to develop a strategy around AI deployments in business.

 

Data Science and Machine Learning Essentials – Microsoft (EdX)

This course is also listed in my guide to the best free data science courses. Of course, there’s a great deal of crossover between the two subjects, as data science is the foundation of all of today’s AI. If you’re confused about the terminology, then think of machine learning as a technique that leverages data science to work towards achieving what we currently understand as AI. This course gives a great overview as it starts by explaining the core data science concepts before moving on to demonstrate how they are applied in machine learning.

 

Machine Learning Crash Course – Google

Another Google course and this one is said to be required reading for everyone whose work is involved with AI at the tech giant. This course covers the basics but also moves onto the theory and practical applications of TensorFlow, Google’s open-source deep-learning library that it uses in many of its own AI-enhanced services and projects.

 

Learning From Data (Introductory Machine Learning) – Caltech (EdX)

Starting with theoretical principles such as “what is learning?” and “can machines learn?” this course covers advanced practical applications including creating ML algorithms used to power neural networks. It aims to help those who are set on a career as a data scientist or analyst. Like many of the courses covered here, all of the materials are freely available, but you can pay $50 for official certification at the end.

 

Artificial Intelligence A-Z: Learn How To Build An AI – Udemy

Another course that takes a slightly different approach, here you are taken through the practical steps necessary to build machines that solve a number of real-world AI problems, such as driving a car or playing a game. It also covers Q-learning, a form of machine learning based on reinforcement learning, that is gaining in popularity in cutting-edge applications.

Creative Applications of Deep Learning With Tensorflow – Kadenze (Class Central)

Deep learning is one of the most advanced fields of AI, and one that is pushing the boundaries of creating machines that can think and learn like humans. This is another course focused on the open-source TensorFlow framework originally created by Google for use in Deep Learning and is one that has received good reviews for giving an easy-to-follow guide to a complex technical subject.

 

8 Job Skills To Succeed In A Post-Coronavirus World

8 Job Skills To Succeed In A Post-Coronavirus World

Adobe Stock

As most of us are in lockdown at home, we are left to wonder what a post-coronavirus-world might look like. There’s a lot unknown about how the world will transform after we get the novel coronavirus under control, but it is extremely unlikely that things will just go back to exactly the way they were before. Our workplaces are likely to change, and with it, the skills companies will require. Here are 8 job skills that are likely to be in high demand in a post-coronavirus world.

 

Adaptability and Flexibility

One thing is for certain, the ways companies operate and work are going to change. The world was already changing rapidly, but the pandemic accelerated it. There will be few “jobs for life.” Someone that is going to succeed in a post-coronavirus-world will need to be able to adapt to ever-evolving workplaces and have the ability to continuously update and refresh their skills.

Tech Savviness

One of the best ways to prepare yourself for a post-coronavirus-world is to acquire technology skills. The COVID-19 pandemic is fast-tracking digital transformations in companies as they are trying to become more resilient to future outbreaks and disruptions. The reality is that technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, virtual and augmented reality, and robotics will make businesses more resilient to future pandemics, and anyone that can help companies exploit these technologies will be in a great position. Whether you work in a factory or an accounting office in a post-coronavirus world, you need to be comfortable with these tech tools as well as be able to work with them effectively.

Creativity & Innovation

We have already seen the importance of creativity and innovation during the pandemic. Businesses that have been able to come up with ways to deliver services virtually (like many healthcare providers have done) or quickly shift to new products (like Mercedes F1 that have shifted from making racing cars to innovative breathing aids) have been able to better weather the storm. In a post-coronavirus world, we will need human ingenuity to invent, dream up new products and ways of working. Human creativity is going to be essential.

 

Data Literacy

As the fuel of the 4th Industrial Revolution, data is a critical asset for every company. With the right data, companies are able to better predict the impact of future business disruptions and are better able to serve customers with the right products and services during or after any pandemic. Companies that understand business trends and shifting customer needs are better able to respond in the right way should a future pandemic come along. However, the data is useless to a company unless there is data literacy—people equipped with skills to understand the data and make better decisions because of it. Professionals with data literacy will be even more appealing to prospective employers than ever before.

Critical Thinking

Another skill that will be essential as our global economy rebuilds from the damage done by COVID-19 is critical thinking. During the pandemic, we have seen a spike in fake news and misrepresentations of data and studies, as leaders, businesses, and governments are trying to shift blame and divert attention and proper scrutiny.

People who can objectively evaluate information from diverse sources to determine what is credible will be valued. Not all information should be trusted, but organizations will need to rely on critical thinking to understand what information should inform decision-making.

 

Digital And Coding Skills

The digital transformation of organizations got a boost because of coronavirus; therefore, professionals with digital skills, including coding, web development, and digital marketing, will become even more important than they are now. People who can keep the digital business running—and thriving—during economic downturns or pandemics that make in-person business impossible or less efficient are going to be on the must-hire list. And, basically, ALL companies are now digitally based in some way, so the opportunities to put digital skills to work are countless.

 

Leadership

One of the changes in a world that are heavily augmented by the support of machines and where social distancing and home working might continue for the foreseeable future, is that more people at all levels of an organization will be in a position where they lead others. The gig economy is only going to grow post coronavirus, and people will be working in more fluent teams where people are taking the lead at different times. Professionals with strong skills in leadership, including how to bring out the best and inspire teams as well as encourage collaboration, will be in demand.

Emotional Intelligence

Closely linked to leadership is another skill that is even more important in uncertain and challenging times: Emotional Intelligence (EQ). The ability to be aware of, express, and control our emotions and be aware of others’ emotions is what emotional intelligence is all about. At times when people might feel uncertain about their job and the future of their business, it is key to connect with people on an emotional level. Individuals with strong EQ will be coveted by organizations of all sizes and in all industries.

Commit to a Lifetime of Learning

According to the World Economic Forum, in just five years, 35 percent of the skills deemed essential today will change. There’s only one way to remain relevant in a post-coronavirus reality: commit to a lifetime of learning.

When faced with a tight job market, professionals with advanced and expert job skills will still be in demand and will likely struggle less to find employment. The good news is that improving your skills has never been easier. Today, it doesn’t require years of study or hefty loans to build up your skillset to be prepared for a post-coronavirus world. There are endless free and open online courses (MOOCs) available that will help you improve your skills.

Here are just a few examples:

·        Artificial intelligence and machine learning courses

·        Data literacy and data science courses

·        Emotional Intelligence courses

Or just search for the skills you want to develop on platforms such as Coursera, edX, Udacity, FutureLearn, or iversity.

See lockdown as an opportunity to improve your skills so that you are ready for the post-coronavirus job market.

ready for the post-coronavirus job market.

 

Source- Forbes- Bernard Marr