Machine Learning in School

Introduction: What exactly is machine learning?

This course deals with machine learning – machines (or more precisely computer programs) that learn, or can learn to do something, by themselves. This area of computer science belongs to the field of artificial intelligence, a hot topic which pervades our everyday lives.

As an introduction to machine learning, the following interactive learning units look at simple artificial neural networks, as artificial neural networks are currently the most widespread in the field of artificial intelligence. We are all familiar with a certain biological neural network: our brain. On the following pages, we will get to know a type of computer program that is roughly structured in the same way as we imagine the brain to be, only smaller and much simpler. That's why it's called an artificial neural network (sometimes just called neural network for short).

Let's get one thing straight from the start: True artificial intelligence does not exist (yet). What we talk about here is so-called weak artificial intelligence. These are usually applications that, at first glance, appear to be good at doing or dealing with something very specific. But here, too, the concept of intelligence should be refined even further: All artificial neural networks are based on numbers entering a computer program as input and calculated numbers given out as output.

You may already be familiar with this from the IPO model (input, process, output). That’s how one can imagine a neural network to start with: numbers go in, other numbers come out. At the end of these learning units, you will certainly be able to judge for yourself to what extent this can be called intelligent.

Social relevance

The topic of artificial intelligence is unavoidable nowadays, both in private settings and in schools and society at large. There are ample points of discussion related to the topic on all possible levels. There is also enough material available, whether in print or in digital form, that deals with artificial intelligence. It goes without saying that this topic is particularly relevant in the context of education.

Engaging with the fundamentals of artificial neural networks on these pages aims to contribute to a better and clearer understanding of how neural networks work. This helps us to recognise their strengths and why some things work the way they do – rationally and mathematically explainable, even if at first glance some things might seem like amazing magic. Most importantly, however, it also helps us to anticipate or identify their weak points and to better understand or assess potential problems related to AI and its impact on society, issues that are frequently discussed these days.