Education | Winter 2024

EDUCATION GUIDE

SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024

Develop digital skills and expertise with University of Manitoba Extended Education Explore Micro-certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions

A s artificial Intelligence becomes more prominent, a suitable knowl- edge of AI may be one of the basic things you will need to advance your career, according to Siddh Sheth. The graduate of University of Manito- ba Extended Education’s Micro-certif- icate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions discovered the program by googling AI and Machine Learning programs near him. It was the first one he found. “So I said, why not? I wanted a pro- gram from a good school and UM has a good brand. I wanted my employer to sponsor my learning. And they paid for it,” says the UM alum who also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learn- ing Solutions is a micro-certificate for every professional looking to under- stand the possibilities of AI and Ma- chine Learning and what they can do for their business or organization, no coding required. It’s one of several Ex- tended Education program and course options designed to improve your professional process and technology management to move forward in your career. As Arooj Ahmed Quereshi, instructor and content provider for one of the

Don’t be afraid When many people think of Artificial Intelligence, they think of that scary robot assassin in the Terminator mov- ie. But don’t be afraid, says Briana Brownell, instructor and content pro- vider for the program. AI is good for every industry and savvy professionals must be aware of the technologies and how they can determine effective solu- tions to their most important business challenges like retaining customers, making better products, reducing risk, marketing effectively, innovating and leading in their marketplace. “This mission is critical for most indus- tries now. There is a push to have tech- nology infrastructure, the ability to collect and analyze data quickly, and to create solutions,” says the founder and CEO of Pure Strategy Inc. noting examples of AI and Machine Learn- ing in action are all around us provid- ing us with relevant data from Netflix recommendations to Facebook news, and even auto-correcting us on our phones. Artificial Intelligence is the backbone of all advances in technology, says Cu- neyt Akcora, program consultant from the Faculty of Science. Over time, any intelligent developments in computer science are AI-related. If you want to use them, you need to know the basics.

A new kind of literacy “I see it as an important new kind of literacy. If you don’t understand AI and Machine Learning, others have an ad- vantage over you. You don’t need to program but you need to understand,” says the professor of computer sci- ence and statistics. For example, if you work in human resources, algorithms on job search websites narrow down applications for specific jobs. You need to know how they are figuring this out. “Understanding AI will help you and your company in most of the jobs to- day,” says Akcora. “I very much like the practical aspects of this program. It is not coding, and not using data searches. Coding is of- ten automated these days. It is about understanding the decisions made by AI, understanding the main direction, where to focus, the tools needed to know.”

program’s three courses, says, “This new technology, AI, is here and I think everybody should be aware of it so they can make good use of it.” Solving business challenges That’s just what Sheth plans to do. As a business systems analyst at New Flyer, he is applying what he learned. Sheth will now work on various AI proj- ects, automating the routine and te- dious tasks so staff can focus more on speaking with customers. The process will become optimized, better. “I was amazed by the knowledge I gained. Now I can link AI to a business application to get rid of a business problem. It is a very good way to im- press the boss.” Jessica Charney is also applying knowledge she gained from this pro- gram in her work as a learning and de- velopment specialist with Birchwood Automotive Group. “I am now able to do a deeper dive into the research side to make sure that the AI that we are using is ethical,” Char- ney says. “For me, personally, I feel that AI is a way to advance the human experience, and how we interact with each other. I think it’s just enhancing how humans go about their day-to-day lives.”

UMextended.ca/programs

Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions Learn how AI and Machine Learning can solve the most important challenges in your business or organization and fuel your career. • (EEAS 0120) Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning • (EEAS 0122) Machine Learning Algorithms and Frameworks Building Information Modeling (BIM) Management Build on your career in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, or as an Owner or Operator (AECOO) and learn to effectively manage your part of a project’s lifecycle with BIM project management processes. • (EEAS 0130) Building Information Modeling Fundamentals I • (EEAS 0132) Building Information Modeling Fundamentals II • (EEAS 0134) Building Information Management • (EEAS 0138) Building Information Modeling Technology and Tools • (LDRS 0540) The Art and Practice of Team Leadership Quality Management Learn to lead the transition from quality control to quality excellence. Quality Management tools can be applied in any industry. • (MGMT 0192) Quality Improvement: Principles and Procedures Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) Learn to harness the power of digital transformation to drive profit, productiv- ity, and performance with these programs offered by DIAL founded by Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Beedie School of Business, in partnership with Uni- Winter courses to improve business processes and technology management

versity of Manitoba Extended Education. • Digital Transformation for Managers • Digital Transformation for Leaders