Online Learning

I have recently been exploring various structured online learning resources. I think I may have taken on more than I can reasonably accomplish. The following are the list of topics/courses that I am currently trying to deal with…

Online Classes from Coursera

• Machine Learning
• Introduction to Logic
• Automata
• Compilers
• Computer Vision

Language Learning from memrise

• Japanese Alphabets (Hiragana and Katakana)
• Japanese Kanji

Code Year from CodeAcademy

• JavaScript Fundamentals

Graduate School

I’ve been considering for the past day or so looking at Masters programs. I’ve been looking at the Master’s degree in Mathematics from TWU and thinking that it looks like I might be able to get something out of it.

They have a concentration on statistical math and computing that seems interesting to me, and which I think would broaden my horizons.

Prolog

I listened to the first lecture of the Intro to Logic class and it immediately reminded me of Prolog. I’ve never really learned Prolog, so I went ahead and downloaded the gprolog and swi-prolog interpreters and played around with the first section of Learn Prolog Now.

So far, Prolog is obviously connected to logic, I don’t yet know how I would use it for anything useful, but I may keep playing with it, especially if I continue through the course.

Conceptual Models For Understanding

I have been thinking today about mental models that seem helpful in understanding the world. So far the models that I’m aware of having been helpful to me are:

• Calculus – acceleration and rates of change
• Supply and Demand curves in Economics