How to Learn Machine Learning Online

If you’re starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning machine learning is no different. Machine learning algorithms include supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning and they drive tools like speech recognition programs, product recommendations, and personalized investment advice, to name a few.

If you’ve always wanted to learn machine learning, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, check out the options outlined here so you can decide how to learn in whatever way works best for you. 

What is Machine Learning?

Machine learning (ML) is one of the best-known subcategories of artificial intelligence (AI). This complex and multidisciplinary field can require training in programming languages like Python, databases like MySQL, and natural language processing (NLP). Common careers that require machine learning skills include Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, and Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts.

Machine learning is often associated with Python programming and data science. Supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning are the top three models of ML algorithms. Popular uses of ML in daily activities include voice recognition tools like Siri, recommendation lists from Amazon or Netflix, and user engagement icons on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 

Read more about what machine learning is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Machine Learning?

Machine learning algorithms dominate today’s internet. Websites gather information based on everything you do online, from your search patterns to previous purchases, social media posts, and whether or not you abandon a product in a cart. As ML algorithms continue to influence our personal and professional lives, more and more businesses use them to streamline processes and determine customer and client journeys. The following are a few of the most popular machine learning applications.

• Social media - Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) was one of the first well-known companies to use ML to measure user activities. Examples of how they analyze statistical activity include their user engagement, chatbots, and content filtering features. Other top social media platforms using ML extensively include Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok.

• Product Recommendations - If you’ve ever bought a product from Amazon or subscribed to a streaming service, you’ve probably seen the You May Like feature. Companies ranging from Apple to Netflix use machine learning algorithms to customize your experience.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP) involves text analytics and functions combined with machine learning. Analyzing text includes basic steps like identifying the language and more complex steps like syntax parsing and sentiment analysis. ML is essential to text analytics and NLP solutions.

Live Online Machine Learning Training

Once you have a solid idea of how you plan to use your machine learning training, it’s time to look at some of the best ways you can learn it in more detail. The best bootcamps and certificate programs offer hands-on training in an interactive environment. Online training offers other benefits: you can learn from the comfort of your home or office, and in some cases, the instructor can even share the screen with your permission.

Noble Desktop offers many of its most popular bootcamps and certificates live online or in-person at its world-class New York training center. That means you can take these courses from wherever you are and learn in real-time without commuting. Consider the benefits of some of their best machine learning programs:

• Data Science Certificate - The Data Science Certificate from Noble Desktop includes everything from Python to intensive SQL training. You’ll apply machine learning models with the Scikit-learn library, analyze data with NumPy and Pandas, and automate everyday tasks with Python. Whether you’re planning a Python engineering career or want to learn ML as part of a broader data science curriculum, this certificate will prepare you for success.

• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp - Noble’s Python Machine Learning Bootcamp gives Python Developers the tools they need to explore machine learning algorithms in an interactive environment. You can also save by taking this bootcamp as part of the Data Science Certificate program. Check course listings for details, including prerequisite information.

• Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp - The Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp combines machine learning training with Python programming tools like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib. Like the Data Science Certificate, this immersive program is open to beginners and is available online and at Noble Desktop’s New York City location.

Other live online machine learning courses include an Applied Machine Learning class from WeCloudData, Python for Data Science and ML from Promotable, and Practical Programming’s Machine Learning Immersive.

On-Demand Machine Learning Classes

On-demand or self-paced machine learning training offers another way to learn about this exciting field. These courses range from one-hour video tutorials to programs that take six months or longer. Topics include machine learning using Azure, programming languages like Python and R, and frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. Some classes are free, while others require a fee or subscription to a platform. As in other training options, some on-demand courses are open to beginners. Others offer training at the intermediate level, and some provide advanced machine learning training.

This type of training has its own built-in set of advantages and drawbacks. While self-paced training can be a convenient way to begin studying the machine learning field, the lack of accountability or instructor feedback can create obstacles for you unless you are highly self-motivated and disciplined. As a starting point, however, on-demand video courses can give you valuable tools that prepare you for formal training with an instructor.

On-demand training includes options like 1-hour machine learning videos from Skillshare, beginner, intermediate, and advanced training videos from DataCamp, and an advanced six-month ML Engineering Career Track program from Springboard.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

Not ready to take a full-length machine learning course? If you’re not able to commit to a full-length bootcamp or certificate, you should consider the many free online resources you can use to start studying machine learning.

One of the most important areas of study for those new to machine learning is technical proficiency in a free programming language like Python. If you don’t already have Python experience, it can be helpful to learn more about it before you dive into the study of machine learning. 

Noble Desktop hosts an online seminar entitled Intro to Python Fundamentals. In this free introductory course, you’ll learn about the practical uses of Python. The curriculum walks new programmers through every step to get started in Python programming—from how to install Python to how to write code.

Other free online courses include Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning from Edge Impulse, Artificial Intelligence: Ethics & Societal Challenges from Lund University, and the University of London’s Foundations of Data Science: K-Means Clustering in Python.

Read about more free machine learning videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

Some of the best courses for machine learning training are bootcamps or certificate programs that include ML within a broader curriculum. If your learning style demands the kind of engagement you can only find in a traditional classroom setting, consider an in-person course if you can find one available in your area.

There are three primary training methods for people wanting to learn more about machine learning:

• In-person
• Live online (teleconferencing)
• Self-paced/on-demand

Among these three, most participants report in-person and live online classes as the most engaging, interactive alternatives. Attendees can ask questions, get real-time answers and portfolio advice, and the instructor and other students can provide a dynamic, interactive experience. Another advantage of face-to-face training is that it can provide valuable networking opportunities. Provider computer labs offer up-to-date software, so you never have to worry about your equipment breaking down.

Most of today’s students and busy professionals enroll in bootcamps or certificates to learn machine learning. Online courses provide benefits comparable to in-person training for many. Like face-to-face learning, you can get real-time answers to your questions from the comfort of your home or office.

On-demand training—also called self-paced or asynchronous learning—is yet another option. While this type of training is sometimes the most affordable option and can be a good way to learn fundamentals, an on-demand program typically doesn't offer the benefits of live instruction. Some participants report the lack of student accountability for assignments can make it hard to remain engaged.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Machine Learning Online

Successful machine learning training requires motivation, setting and reaching goals, and time management like any other discipline. After all, your life most likely doesn’t revolve entirely around schools or courses. Family and other obligations can take much of your time and energy.

The following tips can help you get the most out of online learning, but they are not all-inclusive. While you’ll feel connected to fellow students and instructors during training, once everyone signs off, you may feel like you’re on your own again. Remember that help is always a click away—from other students, your notes from previous sessions, or additional online seminars.

• Create a plan and stick to it. One of the biggest challenges for remote students is maintaining and honoring a schedule. It helps to sit down after each online session and select times to review course materials, complete assignments, and study for exams. If you enroll in a three-month bootcamp or certificate program, you may find the need to immerse yourself in it during that time. Evenings and weekends may be your only available study times, so consider using a calendar app like iCal to stay on track.

• Work smarter, not harder. Students, especially those currently in the workforce, sometimes feel overwhelmed when adding an in-depth class like a machine learning bootcamp to their already busy schedules. To ensure you’re at your best, consider the following:

• Don’t overload yourself - Be sure to get sufficient rest, proper nutrition, and regular exercise. You may also need to avoid some extracurricular activities while training, especially if you have family and work obligations.
• Avoid multitasking - Focusing solely on the material can help you retain it better. Multitasking should never include your studies.
• Use the clock to your advantage - Are you a night person or a morning person? Set times for preparation, assignments, or Zoom study groups with fellow students based on your optimum productivity periods whenever possible. You can also make sure to avoid eye strain by managing how much you’re using all your devices with a feature like Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Circle. These controls offer a great way to “parent” yourself.

• Learn from the best. If you’re new to machine learning, many other students in your class will have no more experience than you. On the other hand, an immersive bootcamp or certificate program will also attract some participants with expertise in areas like Python, SQL, or other data science subjects. If you plan to work as a Machine Learning Engineer and a classmate works in the field, that person might make an ideal study partner. Even a study group of fellow novices can prove the adage that two (or three) heads are better than one.

• Finally, take time to focus on self-care. “Don’t overload yourself” means it pays dividends to be both healthy and proud of your accomplishments. Do these things right, and you’ll be well on the way to enjoying the fruits of your labor in this fascinating field.

Learn Machine Learning with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers a variety of bootcamps and certificates that feature machine learning, both in-person and live online via teleconferencing. Some include Python as a focus, others include machine learning as part of a broader data science curriculum, and others cover ML in a FinTech curriculum. All bootcamps and certificate programs feature small class sizes to maximize personal attention from expert instructors.

• Data Science Certificate - Noble’s Data Science Certificate program teaches participants data science fundamentals before advancing through machine learning, Python for automation, and Structured Query Language (SQL). This immersive certificate is open to beginners; you can retake it for up to one year at no additional charge.

• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp - Programmers already comfortable with Python and its data science libraries can get their machine learning training as part of the Python Machine Learning Bootcamp. Attendees can save by taking this shorter course as part of the Data Science Certificate program.

• Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp - This comprehensive bootcamp combines the same ML and Python training modules as the Data Science Certificate but does not include the Structured Query Language (SQL) bootcamp. It’s open to beginners and designed to prepare students for entry-level Python engineering or data science positions. 

For more information on Noble Desktop’s data science classes, including machine learning, check out all their full-time and part-time data science programs.

Key Insights

• Machine learning, or ML, is one of the best-known subcategories of artificial intelligence (AI).
• ML training can include training in multiple areas, including programming languages like Python, databases like MySQL, and natural language processing (NLP).
• Top ways to learn machine learning include:
• In-person bootcamps or certificate programs
• Live online classes
• On-demand/self-paced/synchronous coursework
• Online live courses provide comparable benefits to in-person learning, including real-time answers to questions and the opportunity to network with peers and instructors.
• While not the primary training method for most students, on-demand learning offers an excellent starting point for many to get a solid overview and understanding of ML fundamentals.
• You can receive comprehensive machine learning training through a live online course with Noble Desktop.