Machine Learning Academy: Coding Deep Neural Networks

Price: $4,549
Age: 13 - 18
Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced
Format: iD Tech Academies | Small-Group, On-Campus
Duration: Two-week program

About This Course

If you had to choose between a computer or a doctor to detect and analyze early signs of cancer, which would you choose?

Why not both? Machine learning methods, while formalized in the 1950s, have only recently become powerful enough to make a huge impact. These deep learning methods have performed better at early cancer detection than professional radiologists! From image detection and Snapchat filters to Natural Language Processing and Siri, machine learning is ready to push our technology into the future.

Start with Python, TensorFlow, and a lot of data to build neural networks and reward your computer for succeeding at its goals! Tweak your reward schemes and process your data so you can see your computer improve its learning. Put your skills to the test with datasets used by professionals, like MNIST and CIFAR-10, or even learn how to collect your own!

Topics Covered

Use TensorFlow to create a neural network
Explore machine learning with Python
Train models to learn without being directly coded
Optimize learning rates
Develop coding and computational thinking skills

Sample Schedule

With techniques used by industry professionals, students will build Python projects, create image recognition models, and analyze the different purposes of machine learning frameworks.

Here’s a sample of what a week in the course could look like! Please keep in mind that students will progress at varying paces; this is a general outline of key material and the overall student experience.

Week 1

During the first week, students will learn the fundamentals of Python coding and machine learning. They’ll start by building their own programs, including a player vs. player text-based game. Then, students will explore machine-learning libraries such as NumPy, MatPlotLib, and Pandas, and learn how to implement neural networks and image recognition models with the MNIST database and TensorFlow.

Week 2

In the second week, students will cultivate their skills to analyze webpage data and build a sentiment analysis network using Amazon reviews. To wrap up the week, students will finalize their networks and showcase the results of all of the projects they’ve created throughout this course.

Portfolio-Boosting Diploma & Transcript

At the conclusion of your child's course, they will receive an official iD Tech diploma and course transcript outlining the skills they learned over the course of the week.

Learn from the best.

Passion for tech. Unmatched expertise. Personality that brings out the absolute best in your child. With 23 years of experience, we know there's no replacement for the best teacher. It's no surprise that iconic companies like Google, EA, Microsoft, and Disney hire the same talent we do. Our iD Certified instructors possess the whole package of skills that top employers seek.

100% USA-based, adult instructors
Recruited from top universities like Stanford, Caltech, and NYU
Rigorous background and reference checks
Robust training programs and certification
Adherence to American Camp Association accredited guidelines

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

“My time as an iD instructor was really formative. I stayed with STEM in college as a Computer Science and Electrical Engineering major, and now I’m working at Google in Chicago. If you find yourself thinking about STEM-related things outside of school, follow that passion. Major in it. Keep pursuing it.”

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

“The spirit of innovation and creativity I felt around my students while teaching Unity led me toward my career as a professional game designer. My time at iD Tech taught me that no dream is too big, and that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.”

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

“The opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and creativity was a truly special experience. The skills I honed while teaching at iD Tech led me to my software engineering roles at ESPN and the Walt Disney Company.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is machine learning?

Machine learning is an application of Artificial Intelligence where we give machines access to data and let them use that data to learn for themselves. It's basically getting a computer to perform a task without explicitly being programmed to do so.

Why should my child learn machine learning?

Machine Learning is used to find solutions to various challenges that arise across a variety of different scenarios and environments!

What college and career opportunities can this course lead to?

In the coming years, many companies like DeepMind and OpenAI hope to solve general artificial intelligence, which is a term for an AI that can learn and perform any task put in front of it. This breakthrough is likely still years in the future, but it has the potential to revolutionize how human beings interact with technology, the job market, and society in general.

In the shorter term, machine learning has practical business applications like analyzing large volumes of data, powering self-driving vehicles, and assisting medical diagnoses. As AI research advances, the number of tasks it can perform will only increase. Companies are already desperate for AI experts and aggressively hiring those with expertise in the field.

Is this course suitable for all skill levels?

Yes, this course is designed for beginner to advanced students. Our small class size ensures that each student receives individual attention and has the freedom to learn at their own pace.

What is the camp experience like?

At our on-campus programs, students get inspired by iconic architecture, learn in our next-gen labs, and get a taste of collegiate life. With our small classes, your child will progress at their own pace with the hottest software and hardware, while learning from carefully-vetted talent sought by companies like Google, Apple, EA, and Disney. They hire who we hire.

As the only STEM educator rooted in 23+ years of legendary camp traditions, we know that when learning is fun, kids and teens stick with it! At camp, students build relationships in a fun and inclusive campus setting, and in between sessions in the labs, can be found diving into high-energy outdoor games and video game tournaments, and bonding over legendary iD traditions like raffles, pie-your-instructor Fridays, and so much more.