Why I Went Back to School for AI (Even With a Full Plate)

I’ve always been fascinated by the transformative power of technology and hype. I officially started taking Artificial Intelligence courses at the University of Toronto, marking an exciting chapter in my continuous learning journey.

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Why I Chose Structured Learning

As a father, husband, and professional, finding time to self-study can be a challenge. Taking live lectures with a fixed schedule has been a game-changer. The structure helps me stay organized and, most importantly, keeps me accountable. Knowing there are scheduled lectures and project deadlines means I don’t have to drag myself to study; the commitment is already built in.

My Support System: Work and Home

I’m incredibly fortunate to have personal and professional support for this learning journey. I made arrangements with my team, and my flexible hybrid work setup has been a huge advantage. My wife has also been incredibly supportive. On class days, she’ll pick up our daughter from school and look after her during my blocked study times.

Financial Commitment

There’s something about paying for a course that makes me take it more seriously. I’ve noticed that no matter how I genuinely love a subject, I’m not immune to procrastination. But that financial commitment? It provides a powerful incentive. Every time I feel the urge to procrastinate, the thought of what I’ve already invested pushes me to keep going with my study time slots.

Designed for Busy Professionals

Even though my classes are live lectures, they’re also recorded. This is a lifesaver for anyone who misses a session. We have assignments that are great for hands-on learning, typically provided in an IPython notebook with practical questions that require direct application to solve.

Learning Through Hands-On Experience

I specifically chose courses that offer a reasonable amount of theory but prioritize hands-on work. When it comes to machine learning, my personal approach has always been to try applying it to a real problem first. This helps me prevent discouragement, and I can delve into the underlying maths later. For me, the maths can be time-consuming because it often requires a good amount of review and recall. If I started with the underlying maths before attempting to apply it to a real problem, I’d likely get discouraged or take much longer to grasp the concepts.

The Capstone Group Project

One of the most valuable components of these courses is the final group project and presentation. This isn’t just another assignment; it’s the ultimate test of our learning. It’s where we bring together all the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience gained throughout the duration of the course to tackle a significant problem. The process of collaborating with a team and then presenting our solution to get feedback solidifies our understanding of each course. It provides a comprehensive and practical application of AI.

What’s Next?

This journey into AI has been incredibly rewarding so far, culminating in a final group project and presentation where we get to apply everything we’ve learned in a holistic way. It’s a testament to how structured learning, combined with a strong support system and practical application through projects, can make pursuing even the most challenging goals achievable for busy professionals like me. I’m looking forward to sharing more about my progress and the fascinating things I learn along the way.