Learn AI: The Best Courses and Resources

Artificial intelligence has reinvented our world. Robots have arrived in the workplace to help companies increase their productivity by accomplishing specific tasks in less time. While some people learn AI to automate business processes, others learn it for better data analytics. There are even companies using AI to provide more personalized services.

Due to the implementation of AI technologies in the workplace, the need for employees with AI skills has also significantly increased over the past few years. For this reason, learning how AI technologies work will help you take your career to a whole new level.

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a branch of the computer science field. Primarily, it is concerned with building smart systems and machines. Eventually, with AI, some specific tasks will no longer require human intervention. AI uses neural network algorithms to simulate a human brain and learn from experience.

After the COVID-19 outbreak, more companies have invested in AI technologies to adapt to the increasing demand for remote work and the need for better online services. The actions that these companies have taken in response to the pandemic have heavily impacted several sectors, with the greatest impact on education and e-commerce. 

But the impact can be seen across many more sectors. In the healthcare sector, for example, AI is helping doctors make more accurate diagnoses. By analyzing patients’ symptoms, AI systems can help doctors save more lives.

Data is quickly becoming today’s currency. With this in mind, there are a few in-demand jobs you should take a look at if you’re looking to remain competitive in 2021.

What Jobs Use Artificial Intelligence Skills?

In the new digital era, a wide range of jobs require AI skills. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular careers that use AI skills. So whether you’re looking to make a career change or move your way up, this list will set you in the right direction.

• Full stack developer. Full stack developers are responsible for building the front end and backend of websites. They are a jack of all trades when it comes to web development and they often have several programming skills. Increasingly, they will also need AI skills
  to develop exceptional websites. They will need to be able to help companies gather valuable information and engage customers.
  
  
• UX Designer. Most UX designers interact with customers to see what they need and how the company can make them feel special. After all, how an app makes you feel will determine if you will keep using it or not. UX designers use artificial intelligence to improve the workflow of apps. Since apps can learn from experience, they should adapt to what a user wants. A good example of this adaptability is Instagram’s algorithm. 
  
  
• Software Engineer. In the software engineering field, AI is used in several ways. Some engineers create apps that use AI voice recognition features. Others use AI to enhance the quality of a company’s computer system.
  
  
• Data Scientist. For data scientists, learning AI is a must. Data scientists deal with data day and night. Considering the amount of data collected by companies every day, data scientists need AI tools to provide the best results in less time. 
  
  

Steps to Learn Artificial Intelligence

Many people believe that learning artificial intelligence skills is a huge challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. Simply follow these steps and your learning process can be simple and straightforward.

1. Choose an Area That Sparks Your Interest

AI is a broad field. You must choose an area that motivates you. This will ensure that you complete the entire learning process. Keep in mind that you can always change your focus later. For example, you could start with automation and then move into optimization.

If you’re not sure how to get started, you can make a list of what motivates you or even what you like to do in your daily life. This should help you find a topic that you are passionate about and will be more eager to learn. If you are a big fan of cars, then you can try exploring how companies like Tesla use AI.

2. Use Your Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills to Find Solutions

After you have chosen a topic to focus on, you will likely also find a problem that requires a solution. To better understand how artificial intelligence and machine learning work, you will need to use your analytical skills.

Using your analytical and problem-solving skills will help you identify what a smart system needs to learn and how it can improve its performance. For example, if you’re looking to create an immersive app, you will need to recognize what aspects of the application affect users’ experience.

3. Look for Improvements 

After you find a solution to your hypothetical problem, it’s time to look for possible improvements. When AI-powered machines and systems learn, they make corrections in their algorithms to perform better and provide better results. An excellent example of this is Walmart’s website. It can make product suggestions based on your previous purchases.

At this stage, you won’t know how to build the actual code, but you will understand what the code will need to achieve. As a result, you will develop a new way of thinking, and potentially create an application that will make your work easier. But be aware that an AI system doesn’t always make good things better. It also has the potential to make bad things worse.

4. Learn Python and Machine Learning Concepts 

Python is an in-demand programming language that has helped organizations and data scientists make great advancements in tech. Its syntax is simple, and it’s a great option for beginners. Learning Python will help you take a step in the right direction.

With Python, creating machine learning algorithms can be fairly easy. But unless you first learn the fundamentals, you won’t succeed. Taking online courses is a great way to learn, especially if you prefer to learn from home. 

5. Learn Deep Learning

While learning deep learning is the last step, it is perhaps the most important. Deep learning algorithms are inspired by the way the human brain functions and the way it is structured. Professionals in the tech industry call these algorithms artificial neural networks.

To start with deep learning, you can watch online videos or take a data science course. Joining a coding bootcamp is one of the best ways to learn new tech skills, including deep learning. Bootcamps provide students with comprehensive, focused curricula while also offering flexible schedules and financing options to help students manage tuition costs.

The Best Courses to Learn Artificial Intelligence

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have decided to enroll in vocational schools to learn new skills. COVID-19 has reshaped many aspects of our lives and education has undergone a lot of change. Taking advantage of online learning is becoming an increasingly popular decision these days.

There is a wide variety of artificial intelligence courses available online. Below we have compiled a list of the best ones. 

Online Data Science Immersive – Flatiron School

Flatiron School has designed this course to help students impress top-notch employers and get a data scientist job. The program provides students with the right skills, knowledge, and experience to learn in-demand skills and be prepared for future challenges.

 

You won’t just learn how to gather data and apply statistical analysis. You will also learn software engineering skills.

Data Science – Lambda School

You won’t need to pay upfront tuition with this course and payment won’t need to be made until you are earning a salary of at least $50,000 per year. This 33-week long course is only available in-person, with no remote learning option. During the program, you will learn the fundamentals of computer science as well as how to think abstractly to solve any problem. 

Data Science Flex – Thinkful

This program is the best option for busy people. Thinkful has designed the program to fit any candidate’s scheduling needs and help them launch a fulfilling career. During the course, you will learn advanced skills in Python, Spark, and other in-demand programming languages. As a bonus, you will receive help from experts in the field.

Introduction to Data Science – Metis

This course is the best choice for those with little to no knowledge of AI. It covers core concepts and technologies and includes hands-on coding experience and basic machine learning principles. During the program, you will complete your own project, putting all of your learned skills into practice.

Best Artificial Intelligence Resources

Breaking into the artificial intelligence field is as easy as enrolling in a data science course. But if you want to remain competitive, it is essential to be equipped with the best resources available. For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of the best AI resources in 2021.

Machine Learning for Absolute Beginners – Oliver Theobald

This book is an excellent tool for entry-level individuals. It teaches you about machine learning libraries and AI tools that you need to know. It also contains excellent data scrubbing techniques, info about clustering, and the basics of neural networks. So, if you’re looking to get started with machine learning, you can order this book online.

Machine Learning – Ethem Alpaydin

This book is also an excellent resource for beginners. It instructs you on machine learning algorithms for reinforcement learning, data science, pattern recognition, and other machine learning applications. It will help you put today’s machine learning boom into context.

Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning – Christopher M. Bishop

To understand what Bishop says in this book, you will need experience with probability and a good understanding of linear algebra. However, it’s an excellent resource for learning how to use statistical techniques for pattern recognition and machine learning.

Why Learn Artificial Intelligence?

In 2021, artificial intelligence plays an active role in our lives. You can see AI in action when you use virtual assistants like Google Assistant or Siri. AI has become indispensable in this new digital era, and more companies are investing in it.

Studying AI will increase your future opportunities in the workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the digital transition, and there’s no going back.