For one of my CAS experiences, I completed an online course on Machine Learning Basics. Machine learning is a field I’ve been curious about for a long time, and this course provided the perfect opportunity to start developing foundational knowledge.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills Learning machine learning concepts from scratch was challenging, especially understanding algorithms like linear regression and decision trees. Since these ideas involve both math and programming, I had to develop problem-solving strategies to connect the theory with practical coding exercises. This experience pushed me to improve my coding skills, especially using Python, and deepened my understanding of data analysis.

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
There were moments when I found certain topics—such as gradient descent—particularly confusing, but I remained committed to completing the course. I had to maintain a consistent schedule, balancing this course with my other academic responsibilities. Watching some tutorials multiple times and doing practice exercises helped me stay on track and reach my learning goals.

SDGs Addressed
This experience aligned with two key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education – Access to online learning resources allowed me to gain practical skills outside of the classroom.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Understanding machine learning is crucial for contributing to innovative industries and future technological advancements.

Learner Profile Attributes Developed
Thinker: Throughout the course, I applied critical thinking to understand and solve algorithmic challenges.
Inquirer: I explored beyond the course materials by researching additional resources to solidify my understanding of the concepts.

This experience was both demanding and rewarding. It challenged me to move out of my comfort zone, develop coding skills, and engage with complex topics. Completing the course gave me a sense of accomplishment and a better understanding of how machine learning shapes the world today. This foundation has also motivated me to pursue further learning in data science and AI in the future.