Which Machine Learning Training Format Is Right for Me?

Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence. It’s a complex, multidisciplinary field and one of today’s fastest-growing tech areas. Different ML roles require different levels of knowledge and skills. When comparing types of machine learning training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the proper training is critical to your experience.

Keep reading to learn more about the different formats of machine learning training, how they compare, and how to determine which is 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.

Training Formats for Machine Learning

Training formats for machine learning typically break down into four categories:

• In-person
• Live online
• On-demand or self-paced
• Free online seminars or tutorials

While many free and self-paced courses can be valuable tools that prepare you for formal training with an instructor, most students quickly realize they need in-person or live online instruction to get into this multidisciplinary field.

In-Person Machine Learning Training

If you’re ready for a machine learning course, you might start by looking in your area for an in-person program. While attitudes toward online learning have grown increasingly positive in recent years, many students feel that face-to-face training engages them more than any other alternative. In-person coursework gives attendees the most direct way to interact with other students and instructors, and a short commute can be well worth the effort. Others may think of a commute as a drawback or cannot find appropriate training close to home. Still, if you feel it best matches your learning style, consider an in-person program your first choice. 

Noble Desktop hosts many of its top machine learning and data science bootcamps at its Madison Avenue campus in New York City. If you’re in NYC, you can take advantage of their Python for Data Science Bootcamp, Python Machine Learning Bootcamp, or Data Science Certificate program. These intensive courses feature machine learning training as part of a broader curriculum, like Python fundamentals, data visualization and analysis, and linear regression. 

Other in-person programs include a Machine Learning Immersive from Practical Programming, Advanced Data Analytics from Skillspire, and Applied Machine Learning & Data Science with Python from Emory Continuing Education. Check listings for training locations and any prerequisite information.

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.

Free Online 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.

On-Demand Classes

For those who are not yet ready to commit to a comprehensive machine learning training program, an excellent starting point is on-demand or self-paced machine learning training. Topics include programming languages like Python and R, Microsoft Azure, and open-source libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch. While you won’t have an instructor holding you accountable for assignments, you can benefit from learning on your schedule at any hour. Some on-demand courses are either free or available through a platform subscription plan.

Comparison of Machine Learning Training Formats

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.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Machine Learning?

You can, and should, learn some of the fundamental concepts of machine learning by watching videos, following tutorials, or reading blog posts about this complex field. However, to truly grasp machine learning, having an instructor who is an expert in the topic and can give you the correct information is essential—especially if you are learning it for professional reasons.

Part of the challenge is that there are far too many videos and tutorials online. It can be overwhelming to sift through them, and you cannot know which are helpful or provide up-to-date information.

Read on for more on how to find the best approach for your learning style, goals, and skill set.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Machine Learning

Your search for the best way to study machine learning begins with reflecting on your goals. Consider how and where you plan to apply the skills and knowledge you get from a machine learning course. If you’re a beginner and can’t or don’t want to spend money on training, review some free online articles or seminars. Noble Desktop’s Learn Hub is an excellent place to get introductory materials on data science, including machine learning.

Those who want to develop a working knowledge of machine learning, plug a skill gap, or level up from a current position should look for a machine learning bootcamp. You can use Noble’s search tool to find courses like a Python Machine Learning Bootcamp, FinTech Bootcamp, or Python for Data Science Bootcamp.

If you need to master machine learning for a new career or want to pivot to a new industry, consider enrolling in an immersive certificate program. Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate and Data Analytics Certificate include machine learning as part of a broader curriculum. Both are open to beginners.

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.