The Black SiS Insider

A Black Girl's Intro to Machine Learning

Written by Black SiS Community | Mar 24, 2023 2:52:00 PM

As a Black girl, you may have heard of machine learning, but you may not know exactly what it is. It's a buzzword that's becoming more and more popular in the tech industry, but what does it mean, and why should you care? Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. In other words, it's a way for computers to learn and get better at tasks by themselves.

 

Machine learning is a field that's rapidly growing, and it has the potential to change the world in many ways. From predicting the weather to detecting diseases, machine learning is already being used in various industries to improve our lives. As a Black Gen Z woman, it's essential to understand the basics of machine learning, as it will play a significant role in our future.

 

Types of Machine Learning

Before we dive deeper into machine learning, let's talk about the different types of machine learning. There are three primary types of machine learning: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

 

Supervised Learning

Supervised learning is the most common type of machine learning. In supervised learning, the computer is given a set of labeled data and uses that data to learn how to make predictions or decisions. For example, if you were building a spam filter, you would give the computer a set of emails labeled as either spam or not spam. The computer would then use that data to learn how to identify whether new emails are spam or not.

 

Unsupervised Learning

Unsupervised learning is a type of machine learning where the computer is given a set of data without any labels. The computer then tries to find patterns or relationships in the data. For example, if you were trying to segment customers based on their purchasing behavior, you might use unsupervised learning to group customers based on their buying habits.

 

Reinforcement Learning

Reinforcement learning is a type of machine learning where the computer learns by trial and error. The computer is given a goal, and it tries to achieve that goal by taking actions and receiving feedback. For example, if you were trying to teach a computer to play chess, you would give the computer a goal of winning the game. The computer would then play against itself and learn from its mistakes until it becomes good enough to win the game.

 

Why Care About Machine Learning?

Machine learning has the potential to change the world, and Black Gen Z women need to be a part of that change. As a Black woman, you have the power to shape the future of technology and ensure that it's inclusive and equitable.

 

Machine learning is already being used to address some of the most pressing issues facing our society, from climate change to healthcare. For example, machine learning is being used to predict the spread of diseases like COVID-19, which can help us prepare and respond more effectively.

 

Machine learning is also being used to improve access to healthcare. For example, machine learning can help doctors predict which patients are at high risk of developing certain diseases, allowing them to take preventative measures before the disease becomes more severe.

 

In addition to its potential to address social issues, machine learning also offers exciting career opportunities for Black Gen Z women. As the field continues to grow, there will be a high demand for skilled professionals who can work with machine learning. By learning about machine learning now, you can position yourself for a rewarding career in a field that's shaping the future.

 

Conclusion

As a Black woman, you have the power to shape the future of technology and ensure that it's inclusive and equitable. Machine learning has the potential to address some of the most pressing social issues and offer exciting career opportunities for those who are willing to learn. By understanding the basics of machine learning, you can prepare yourself to be a part of this rapidly growing field and make a positive impact on the world.

 

If you're interested in learning more about machine learning and connecting with other Black women in STEM, I encourage you to join the waitlist for Black Sisters in STEM's Sister Nation. Sister Nation is a community of like-minded Black women who are passionate about STEM and supporting each other in their personal and professional growth. As a member of Sister Nation, you'll have access to resources and opportunities to help you grow in your machine learning knowledge, including certifications and training programs from companies like Google. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to join a community of Black women in STEM and take your machine learning skills to the next level!