Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning: Powering Digital Education

Information technology has been an asset to the field of education and its usage encompasses life spaces ranging from the kitchen to outer space. There are few tasks that cannot be accomplished through various computer and machine applications. Artificial intelligence is a phenomenal and continuously evolving branch of computer science that deals with invention and creation of machines as intelligent and capable as human beings. Machine learning and artificial intelligence go hand in hand.  Machine learning implies data analysis which helps in automation of analytical model building. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are terms often used interchangeably, even though; machine learning is a subcategory of artificial intelligence. In machine learning the computers use algorithms which help in continuous learning from the data, thereby enabling the computer to find hidden patterns and insights without the need of explicit programming.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are finding increased application in the field of education. With the increase in online learning and education, artificial intelligence and machine learning work as a complement.

Artificial intelligence has become an intrinsic part of our lives even though it is still in its formative and developmental stage. Siri, Cortana, Ok Google and Alexa which are inbuilt robotic software in smartphones or other electronic gadgets are finding more users every passing day. From listening to music to solving complex mathematical problems and ability to handle miscellaneous questions the AI software is extremely helpful in today’s fast-paced work environment.

Presently, artificial intelligence has been of great impact on digital education as now e-learning is not limited to online lectures and delivering study material or sample papers but the scope and success is par excellence and like a grand slam. Artificial intelligence tools have been of substance in areas of travel in the form of GPS systems, banking in the form of self-instructing automated machines or ATMs, classroom teachings in the form of teaching assistants, thereby, monumentally enhancing the execution of online learning platforms like Khan Academy, EdX, Coursera and MOOC (Massive open online courses). For widespread awareness and knowledge of artificial intelligence various colleges, universities and IT giants have weighed AI as an imperative subject and therefore, there are various online certifications and online courses in India along with online certification courses governing the artificial intelligence subject line.

Use of AI can be seen ushering its way into mobile applications and virtual gaming programs as well.  Thus, it doesn’t just support a lifestyle of ease but also opens up a wide range of career options. AI enabled education assistants are prominent in releasing the burden of K-12 category teachers. What was earlier difficult due to lack of capacity to manage time-consuming tasks can now easily be handled with the help of such artificial intelligence enabled assistants. Teachers can therefore focus on other creative and value-driven areas. Also, AI assistants can help in collaborative learning modules and group discussions in actual classrooms or even virtually.

The only challenge online education platforms face is lack of funds to encourage use of AI assistants and software on a widespread scale. However, newcomers in online education would be able to overcome these with various IT giants making investments in AI. India can also shine in the field of online education and skill development.

E-Learning: Powering The Digital India Dream

E-learning is indeed a promising change in the educational sphere and is steadily contributing towards building an empowered nation. Indian education at primary, secondary and higher levels has confronted challenges unlike other nations where e-learning is already in developed stage. Indian education encountered roadblocks like shortage of teachers and unstructured infrastructure but has crossed over without deterring.

The ultimate aim of the Digital India dream is empowerment. Empowerment of working professionals, the under-privileged section of the society - especially students, and people, such as the elderly, who have little to no knowledge of using electronic modes of communication. Online learning is the path to fulfilment of this dream.

In the span of only a couple of years, PM Shri Narendra Modi has waved the green flag to programs like e-governance, Digishaala, outreach campaign, online banking, and digitization of official and governmental tasks through implementation of various fellowship and awareness programs. All  of these are  achievable through e-learning. 

From monitoring infrastructure and road highways to broadband requirements, the Indian government has made it clear that the entire gamut of areas of development are important and need to be accomplished. With such empowering inspiration, many IT companies have gained momentum. IT giant CISCO has even unveiled its smart city in Bangalore in 2014 to provide working professionals an environment where they can work and learn actual IT standards and norms to follow the digital India dream. 

The advent of e-learning is a pioneering step in revamping India as a digitalized nation. Companies like Intel, Qualcomm and others have joined hands with many online learning platforms to work collaboratively towards the initiative ‘Digital Skills for India’ launched by Qualcomm and ‘Smart Learning Initiative’ launched by Samsung. According to a report, IT companies are investing and coming up with interesting and interactive online education programs. Tata is working towards a plan called ‘class edge’. Reliance has marked 38.5% holder ship in digital education. Online learning platforms like Meritnation, Datawind, Simplilearn and Smart Classes are some other competent names in the field.   

E-learning with its obvious advantages of flexibility in study schedules and time is a growing pursuit amongst executive professionals and students. The courses cater to distinctive industrial needs through executive education programs and leadership executive education. Because of increased acceptance of online certifications, working professionals can adopt online education according to their convenience alongside office work. 

Online courses are expected to grow to $3 billion and beyond, because it is helping combat the numerous drawbacks and roadblocks the Indian education system has faced so far. Smart classes and interactive programs help overcome these roadblocks and going forward online certificate courses in India are likely to cover the entire spectrum of education.

Digital India is by far the most sought after and purposeful dream which is being facilitated through e-learning in a promising manner.

E-learning is indeed a promising change in the educational sphere and is steadily contributing towards building an empowered nation. Indian education at primary, secondary and higher levels has confronted challenges unlike other nations where e-learning is already in developed stage. Indian education encountered roadblocks like shortage of teachers and unstructured infrastructure but has crossed over without deterring.

The ultimate aim of the Digital India dream is empowerment. Empowerment of working professionals, the under-privileged section of the society - especially students, and people, such as the elderly, who have little to no knowledge of using electronic modes of communication. Online learning is the path to fulfilment of this dream.

In the span of only a couple of years, PM Shri Narendra Modi has waved the green flag to programs like e-governance, Digishaala, outreach campaign, online banking, and digitization of official and governmental tasks through implementation of various fellowship and awareness programs. All  of these are  achievable through e-learning. 

From monitoring infrastructure and road highways to broadband requirements, the Indian government has made it clear that the entire gamut of areas of development are important and need to be accomplished. With such empowering inspiration, many IT companies have gained momentum. IT giant CISCO has even unveiled its smart city in Bangalore in 2014 to provide working professionals an environment where they can work and learn actual IT standards and norms to follow the digital India dream. 

The advent of e-learning is a pioneering step in revamping India as a digitalized nation. Companies like Intel, Qualcomm and others have joined hands with many online learning platforms to work collaboratively towards the initiative ‘Digital Skills for India’ launched by Qualcomm and ‘Smart Learning Initiative’ launched by Samsung. According to a report, IT companies are investing and coming up with interesting and interactive online executive courses for professionals. Tata is working towards a plan called ‘class edge’. Reliance has marked 38.5% holder ship in digital education. Online learning platforms like Meritnation, Datawind, Simplilearn and Smart Classes are some other competent names in the field.

E-learning with its obvious advantages of flexibility in study schedules and time is a growing pursuit amongst executive professionals and students. The courses cater to distinctive industrial needs through executive education programs and leadership executive education. Because of increased acceptance of online certifications, working professionals can adopt online education according to their convenience alongside office work. 

Online courses are expected to grow to $3 billion and beyond, because it is helping combat the numerous drawbacks and roadblocks the Indian education system has faced so far. Smart classes and interactive programs help overcome these roadblocks and going forward online certificate courses in India are likely to cover the entire spectrum of education.

Digital India is by far the most sought after and purposeful dream which is being facilitated through e-learning in a promising manner.

Understand the Basic Building Blocks of a Good Financial Model

The annual summary of the performance of a company can be termed as a financial model. This financial model helps in constructing forecasts for the future financial performance of the company. There are different financial models such as the 3 statement model, DCF model and industry specific model.

All the models mentioned above use knowledge about the operations of the company, accounting records, corporate finance and excel worksheets as the basic building blocks. As such, the above are required to generate workable financial models which will be helpful in future growth of the company.

Knowledge of company operations is the first building block for a good financial model. It is important to know the exact work a company engages in and the different processes used in producing the specific goods and services. Without the knowledge of operations it would not be possible to list out the exact activities involving input and output of cash flow. Hence, lack of knowledge about the operations may lead to faulty models and forecasts for the future.

Accounting records are the second most important aspect of building a good financial model. It is imperative for a company to have accurate accounting records. All the financial transactions must be clearly and honestly recorded so that there is a clear understanding of how the funds have been utilized. Important information with regard to the company management and achievement of company goals is revealed from the accounting records. Hence, accurate accounting records are another key building block of a good financial model.

Corporate finance is the third important building block of a good financial model. It is important to use the principles of financial planning and financial monitoring. Financial planning sees that the organization is aligning its activities to the strategic goals, both, short and long term. Financial monitoring refers to the monitoring of funds and how they are utilized within the organization for various activities. Monitoring also involves overseeing the setting of the budget and the keeping of accounting records. This enables the corporate finance team to produce timely and accurate financial reports.

Maintaining excel spreadsheets that contain all the financial and accounting data in detail is one the most important building blocks for a good financial model. Maintaining a regular record on excel spreadsheets enables the managers to create a good and accurate financial model. It is also helpful in helping create an internal controls system whereby the data stored is helpful in creating the necessary checks and balances.

With the above four building blocks in place, any company can build a good financial model. There are several certificate corporate finance courses online which can help understand financial models better.