The Emergence of Machine Learning

By: Justin Ferriman • December 7, 2016
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Artificial intelligence has worked its way into many facets of our day-to-day life, in many ways replacing tasks that humans used to perform.

But as times evolve, how do machines do the same?

The answer: “machine learning”.

If you haven’t heard of machine learning then you are not alone. The survey that the infographic reports on above indicates that only 28% of people have actually had experience with it.

What is machine learning?

TechTarget.com defines it as a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides computers with an ability to learn without being intentionally programmed.

In other words, just as people need to acquire new abilities over time the same is true for the systems that exist in today’s enterprise businesses.

We have instructional designers create training programs and elearning content for people. Machine learning requires computer programmers who focus on creating programs that can teach themselves to grow and changed when encountering new data.

It all sounds very much like The Matrix, doesn’t it?

In a world where we rely on big data the concept of machine learning is a very attractive one to major organizations. If their systems can learn and adapt based on the data available then the organization can remain lean and competitive in their market(s).

What kind of AI use-cases would benefit from machine learning? There are many but some of the more popular include internet & IT security monitoring, fraud detection, and consumer behaviors.

It probably goes without saying that we will see increasing importance on machine learning in the years to come given the significant impact it can have on the bottom line of a business.

Justin Ferriman

Justin started LearnDash, the WordPress LMS trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major universities, training organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. He is currently founder & CEO of GapScout. Justin’s Homepage | GapScout | Twitter