Data, Analytics and AI courses

What are data analytics, big data, AI and Machine Learning?

In order to understand which course suits you best, it is good to define each of the terms and subsets.

Data analytics (DA) is the process of examining data sets in order to find trends and draw conclusions about the information they contain. When you book and sit a data analytics course, you will learn theory and strategy as well as how to perform DA with the aid of specialised systems and software.

Big data describes large, complex and hard-to-manage volumes of data – both structured and unstructured – that are collected daily. Although it isn't so much a matter of the size or type of data as much what the data is used for. Big data analysis is often associated with discovering insights that improve decision-making and give confidence for strategies in businesses and in policies for governments and communities. Lumify Work's big data courses in New Zealand provide knowledge and practice in the theories and tools used for processing big data.

Then there's Artificial intelligence (AI) which is the process of programming a computer to make decisions for itself. This could be anything from recognising objects in pictures to chatbots responding to customer queries based on frequently asked questions to recommending shows on streaming services.

Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that teaches computers how to learn from data. This is done by providing the computer with many examples from which it can identify patterns and trends. These will then inform how to behave in the future.

What is the typical data analytics, AI and Machine Learning course coverage?

Artificial Intelligence course coverage varies in terms of level e.g. fundamentals, intermediate or advanced and tools used.

Foundational courses typically focus on providing both a basic understanding of data analytics and business intelligence and a rundown of the tools you can use to create basic reports. To give you a better idea, you can find some examples of our data analytics, AI and Machine Learning courses for beginners.

Those responsible for the smooth operations of the SAP systems can access our five-day instructor-led course to get acquainted with a broad spectrum of administrative activities for AS ABAP-based SAP Systems.

Our Big Data Foundation course, from the name, is a foundation-level course designed to provide you with an understanding of Big Data, the potential sources of Big Data that can be used for solving real business problems, and an overview of Data Mining and the tools used in it.

For intermediate and advanced data analytics, AI and Machine Learning courses in New Zealand, training usually covers strategic thinking and communication and how to leverage advanced features of the tools. You can get an idea of the coverage from these two examples.

We have a one-day course that tackles Power BI report layouts and structures and the agile process. It aims to help students create Power BI data visualisations and understand data storytelling.

Our BOW320 - SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence - Report Design II course explores complex Web Intelligence documents using advanced query and reporting techniques.

Are data analytics courses difficult?

This a question we often get asked along with "Can I become a data analyst in 3 months?", "Do data analytics courses require coding?" and "It is maths-heavy?"

Based on the experiences of our trainers and our students, we would say that data analytics courses are not particularly tough. This is primarily because they are not highly academic. They cover a combination of learning about the tools, learning about practical communication and how to apply both to different use cases within organisations. And this is where the courses come in - they provide you with instructor-led training, hands on experience, practical exercises and additional resources.

When it comes to whether it's possible to learn data analytics in three months, we agree that it is possible but that honing your skills by continuously working on projects and interacting with a community of data analytics experts is key. Our data analytics courses in New Zealand can be taken online or in person in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. During the course, you can expand your network and get insights from other students.

On the question about whether data analytics courses require coding, our short answer is "Not really." It is not a barrier if you don't know how to code. Having a basic knowledge of programming languages will help. But in-depth knowledge is not a prerequisite for attending a data analytics course.

The answer is similar to whether data analytics courses are maths-heavy. Data analysts are often good with numbers and they have a foundational knowledge of mathematics and statistics. But people have successfully attended data analytics courses and gained certifications without in-depth mathematical knowledge. What is required is a passion for analysis and logic. Much of data analysis and using data analytics tools is about following a series of logical steps to collect, process, present and monitor data.

Are AI/ML courses difficult?

Booking and sitting an artificial intelligence course or a machine learning course seem daunting. Related to this, we often get asked about the level of coding required when booking and sitting an AI or Machine Learning course. and how long it takes to learn them.

So are AI and Machine Learning courses hard? For this, we need to set expectations and tell you that yes, it can be challenging. In fact, in 2021, according to SEMRush, 93% of automation technologists expressed that they do not feel sufficiently prepared for upcoming challenges in the world of smart machine technologies. This is also because as a field, AI and ML are very fast-paced. New problems and new solutions get developed and become mainstream in a couple of months.

Can you attend an AI or ML course in New Zealand without coding knowledge? We definitely think so. Having the basic or intermediate ability to write code is necessary to control AI and to ensure that its activities are aligned with your end goal. This is despite the common opinion that AI is for all and that end users and consumers actually do have access to it in the form of Netflix recommendations based on previous activity or in providing directions based on previous trips.

How long does it take to learn AI and Machine Learning? Those in the field say it takes six months to gain understanding and confidence in the basic concepts. This requires participation in AI and ML courses as well as in undertaking simple and practical projects. After that, it's a matter of taking advanced courses and solving more complex problems in order to learn intermediate concepts and deepen your knowledge.

Do courses in data analytics, AI and Machine Learning require Python?

We definitely encourage those who take our courses on data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning to also take up Python.

It is preferred by data scientists who need to perform data analysis and whose tasks need to be integrated with web applications or production environments.

Python is recommended for those taking beginner courses in machine learning and AI. Python is the most common language used in AI. and it proves useful for simple tasks. It also does not require you to upgrade all your code when moving to more advanced applications.

What is Python? It is a support language often used by software developers for build control and management, testing and more. It is typically used for developing websites and software, automating tasks and analysing and visualing data. It is relatively easy to learn and has been adopted by many non-programmers like accountants and data analysts and scientists, for day-to-day tasks like organising finances and reports.

Lumify Work offers introductory, essentials, mastery and advanced online Python courses online or at one of our campuses in New Zealand.