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How Should I Start Learning about Machine Learning at the Age of 15?

I don't want to be jumping all over the place, but this is just to keep in the side of my mind as I refine my web development skills and learn the general tools that a full-stack engineer utilizes. At 15, how do you recommend I begin to take interest in machine learning? I've always found it fascinating, but have no idea how to start, as I've heard that it requires a pretty good understanding of linear algebra and calculus. If required, I'll definitely spend time reaching ahead to learn about this, but I'm also wary of my other goals pertaining to electronics that I want to pursue. Also, I will likely incorporate all these approaches within the span of two years, as I have a lot on my plate. Any input from professionals would be appreciated. #technology #engineering #data-science # #computer-science #computer

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Emily’s Answer

Hi Aun,

Thanks for asking this wonderful question! Machine Learning (ML) is a very exciting field. You can start learning ML with YouTube and popular MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). I wish you the best with your studies and keep asking questions! :D

YouTube: Machine Learning | Andrew Ng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPLop4L2eGk&list=PLLssT5z_DsK-h9vYZkQkYNWcItqhlRJLN

Udacity:
https://www.udacity.com/course/intro-to-artificial-intelligence--cs271

Coursera:
https://www.coursera.org/

EdX:
https://www.edx.org/
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your passionate and resourceful answer! These seem like excellent resources, I'll make sure to check them out! I'll definitely continue to ask questions in this intriguing field that has peaked my interest! All the best! Aun
Thank you comment icon You're very welcome Aun! :D Emily Tse
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Dheeraj’s Answer

Hi Arun,

This will require taking small productive steps one at a time.
You can start off with Linux fundamentals.
Then move on to Understanding Python and then advanced Python scripting. Later on, you can choose based on the passion for any specific courses. It could be machine learning/data science or even robotics as per your interest.

There are various courses available at Udemy which can be referred to as the first go through courses to decide which will be best.
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Dinesh’s Answer

Machine learning projects don't end with just coding,there are lot more steps to achieve results like Visualizing the data, applying suitable ML algorithm, fine tuning the model, preprocessing and creating pipelines. So,yes coding and other skills are also required.
Yes, a sound understanding of statistics and algorithms is required to actually grasp the foundation of this subject, but that will easily come if enough books and materials are consulted before going straight for the meat! Also, a very basic introduction to languages like python and R will help a ML beginner, and with consistent practice, every skill will evolve.


Read as many books as possible from this list (I did not read all of them though): 7 books about machine learning for beginners
Start learning Python (or R, or any other language which intrigues you) from good programming websites such as Python Programming Language - GeeksforGeeks

Go through your standard IX and X statistics (keep it basic)

After you cover the above, or while you are going through them, start taking simple courses which give a practical experience to arouse your intrigue (like Machine Learning A-Z™: Hands-On Python & R In Data Science)

Then delve into more robust theoretical courses to understand the higher level concepts which you already implemented (like Machine Learning | Coursera)

Dinesh recommends the following next steps:

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/python-programming-language/
https://www.tableau.com/learn/articles/books-about-machine-learning
https://www.edx.org/learn/machine-learning
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the clear roadmap, Dinesh! I love this answer, very insightful. I'll definitely get some books on statistics, and once I've had a sound understanding of it, I'll definitely pursue more theoretical courses on machine learning like the ones you've mentioned. Once again, I can't thank you enough. All the best! Aun
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Darcy’s Answer

Open an account on Khan Academy. There you can study all kinds of coding all the way thru Python...

If you are just getting into coding then play some games first on code.org....
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your answer. Although these are good resources, I don't think that Khan Academy contains videos catering to machine learning. Also, I believe that code.org can be helpful to some beginners as you have mentioned, but block coding, in my opinion, is unrealistic and doesn't translate well when actually learning a language. I've started out with visual basic and am now learning javascript after learning the markup languages, and I feel that this has given me a strong foundation. I appreciate your contribution though! Aun
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Katherine’s Answer

If you are interested in Machine Learning, the best language to start with is Python. Stanford is offering a free course right now: https://compedu.stanford.edu/codeinplace/assn0/
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your answer. I believe that the Stanford course is limited to anyone who is 18 or greater (I'm a sophomore in high school). Thank you for responding though! If there's any college student who could benefit from this, that would be great as well. All the best Katherine! Aun
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denny’s Answer

Ya! i would suggest opening up a computer and start dissembling it and putting it back together.maybe install and operating system to get a general feel for it.
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Ananya’s Answer

Hi Aun,

Let me start by mentioning that it is great to start thinking about a particular career track so early in your life. That being said, since you have a huge amount of time available , its better to start from the absolute basics. I would suggest Linear Algebra , Statistics and Calculus should be your beginning points.

Then moving on to the basic theoretical concepts of Machine Learning and Data science. The next steps should be understanding the basics of program development, visualization.

I would personally recommend that you refrain from focusing all your energy on one particular language. Considering the rapid change in the world of coding, the language that you are focusing all your energy on, may become obsolete in a few years time frame.

Of course, you will need a particular coding language for actually practicing all that you have done. For the same purpose, I would recommend Python as it is an easy to use language considering the vast variety built in libraries which can help you focus on the actual Machine Learning logic without spending too much time on the actual coding language itself.

Hope this helps. Please make use of the various MOOC platforms available for the courses. Happy Learning!
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