Machine learning is gaining ground in Education & recruitment processes, says Rachit Jain
Machine learning, a term that was coined by Arthur Samuel in 1959 is creating a lot of buzz today. While the word has been in use for some time in India, the reason for the hype is how it really works which is altogether a different story and remains out of grasp for many.
If the present perception is to be believed then machine learning (Ml) is synonymous with Artificial Intelligence (AI). More often than not, these two terms are used interchangeably. But this is incorrect. Also, these two ultra-sophisticated terms bring high cachet to the table, especially when an argument regarding technology is involved.
The truth is that machine learning and AI are two different subjects. In layman’s terms, AI aims to make machines smarter by giving those capabilities to think on their own feet to make decisions or mimic human actions whereas machine learning is just a subset of the vast concept, that is, AI.
The most crucial aspect of machine learning is data. Without data, it is not possible. Data is the backbone of Ml. Machine learning is an application of and within the AI that provides computers with the ability of learning and to improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. Data is used by the machines to create patterns that make sense to them. Data by itself is useless, unless it is treated in meaningful ways and machines can perform unimageable tasks with data using mathematical algorithm and block chains.
The aim of Ml is to allow computers to learn automatically without human intervention and come up with actions accordingly. The number of Indian machine learning start-ups is on the rise. On an average 10 to 15 such new tech start-ups are seen every month, with each claiming to be better than the other. But the success of a new tech start-up cannot be ensured by mere sophisticated AI tools and applications. Having data is essential and acquiring reliable data takes time and effort if done with right ethical practises.
Giants like Google, Amazon, and Facebook took years to accumulate hoards of data and their data is used by many other emerging tech enterprises that are looking for shortcut successes. Such enterprises won’t last long in the long run because machine learning will only prove to be beneficial if the end results are insightfully unique and this can only be ensured with the authenticity of the data so used.
Nonetheless, the scope of machine learning can’t be overlooked, especially in the fields of education and recruitment processes. There have been some promising start-ups in recent times that have dedicated and devoted themselves, over the years, in providing youth with the much needed “job-specific skills” that are essential to survive and sustain growth in a highly volatile job market of the present.
There are various platforms which uses machine learning techniques within the domains of AI to assess the scores of thousands of test-takers every day and gives detailed corporate-assessment. The data so analysed and projected is unique in terms of accuracy and authenticity.
A recent survey analysed that more than 35 per cent of India’s youth is unemployed, which is even lower than the average of global employment level. According to figures projected by the survey report, our country will see a marginal stagnation in 2018-19. As of now, 17.9 million are unemployed and this estimate will further expand to 19 million in 2019.
The size of the youth in our country is enormous and not every youth has the luxury of having platforms like Youth4work at their disposal or are just unaware. So, it is going to be a tremendous challenge to bring these sequestered fractions of the young generation together at one place where talent can be nurtured into employable job skills.
— The writer is CEO of Youth4work