Decoding the Digital World: A Beginner’s Guide to AI and Deep Learning

Decoding the Digital World

Are you wondering if (or when) intelligent machines will take over your job? Would you like to know whether the hype around AI is really justified? Are you mystified by the dark web? Have you had problems with hacked email, bank or social media accounts? There are many good reasons to learn how IT really works.

The only question is where to start: Despite the recent addition of computing to school curricula, programmers and computer scientists are still a minority in modern society. The vast majority of us are mere “digital literates” whose competence does not extend far beyond the use of social media, office software, browsers, chatbots, streaming services and similar IT applications. In other words, while almost everybody has at least rudimentary IT skills, only a small number of people has in-depth IT knowledge. This rift between IT professionals and amateur IT users is one of the defining features of the digital age. Without foundations in advanced mathematics and coding, it seems, there simply is no point in trying to figure out how trendy tech like AI actually works.

Decoding the Digital World aims to prove that everyone can gain a deeper understanding of IT. The three masterclasses successively explain the basics of machine learning, the internet, and the tactics of cyber attackers. Attendees need no programming experience and not more than primary school maths.

A Beginner’s Guide to AI and Deep Learning (Session 1 of 3)

This masterclass gives an easy introduction to algorithms, machine learning, and artificial neural networks, based on memorable examples. By getting to know the working principles of common AI applications, participants are empowered to follow and join public discussions about the latest innovations in this field. The goal is to develop an informed understanding of the political, social, economic, and security implications of AI technology, including a new generation of cyberthreats.

Who are these sessions for?

• Everyday IT users who want an easy introduction into how their tech actually works
• Everyday IT users who want to improve their security awareness
• Business managers and other decision-makers seeking to understand the implications and dangers of AI for their organisation

3 sessions

Our masterclass are made up of 3 sessions run over 3 months. While you can attend them individually, we recommend coming to them all for the best experience.

1. A Beginner’s Guide to AI and Deep Learning (Mon 16 Sep 18:00)
2. The Why and What of the Dark Web (Mon 14 Oct 18:00)
3. Identity Theft Unpacked (Mon 11 Nov 18:00)

Workshop leader

Dr Stefan Deissler is a published scientific author and a former university lecturer. For the past nine years, he has been editing and translating academic and other specialist publications on tech and cybersecurity. He has found: innovations like deep learning or quantum computing are less intimidating once you know more about them. And if AI is taking over the world, the least we can do is find out how it ticks.

SPACE4 Masterclasses

SPACE4 is part of Outlandish, a tech worker-cooperative committed to creating social and economic change. Through SPACE4, we activate our local community, small business, and social movements through affordable space, training, and networking events.

This workshop is part of an ongoing programme of masterclasses to upskill our network and community in Islington and beyond.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch or visit us.

The £5 charge on this event is a deposit that will be refunded if you attend. The reason behind this is to assure bums on the seats as we spend a lot of time prepping for these events and workshops. If you’re unable to pay contact natasha@outlandish.com for free registration.

Venue access information: https://space4.tech/visit-us

Sign up to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dKiIsU

Visit our website: https://space4.tech