Should I choose the self-paced mode or those two instructor-paced modes?

 

It depends on the goals you aim to achieve after completing a course.

 

If your goal is to gain knowledge only (for instance, learning PyTorch from the course AI 310), and you do not need help, guidance, or support from an instructor, nor do you wish to earn a USAAIO-backed certificate, then the self-paced mode may be the better option for you.

 

By contrast, if you need an instructor's help, guidance, or support for your studies, and you want to practice with homework assignments and a final exam, ultimately aiming to earn a USAAIO-backed certificate, then one of the two instructor-paced modes might be more appropriate for you.

 

What are the differences between two instructor-paced modes?

 

The two instructor-paced modes, regular and super, are mostly the same. Their only difference lies in how the lectures are delivered.

 

To clearly explain this difference, we use the lecture "Tensor Data Types" in course AI 310 PyTorch as an example.

 

In the regular instructor-paced mode, this lecture is pre-recorded. During Week 2, when students are scheduled to study this topic, they access the course platform and watch the pre-recorded lecture video.

 

In the super instructor-paced mode, this lecture is delivered live. During Week 2, the instructor gives a live lecture and records it. Students can choose to attend the live lecture or watch the recording at a time that suits them.

 

It is important to note that students are not disadvantaged in the regular instructor-paced mode. This is because the teaching approach remains instructor-paced, not self-paced. Although students watch pre-recorded lecture videos, the instructor engages with them just as actively as in the super instructor-paced mode.

 

1. Instructor Support: Students are free to ask the instructor questions about the lecture at any time.

2. Homework Assignments: Students are still required to complete the assigned homework.

3. Course Schedule: The course schedule is fully controlled by the instructor, ensuring a structured learning experience.

 

For the two instructor-paced teaching modes, why are materials released sequentially rather than all at once at the beginning of the course?

 

We fully understand that some students may wish to access all course materials at the start of the course. However, our many decades of teaching experience have taught us that this is not the most effective way for students to learn new knowledge.

 

Our instructors have extensive teaching experience and deep expertise in AI. They understand the optimal pace for learning these materials. For example, if a topic is scheduled to be learned over two weeks, the instructor will only release course materials for that particular topic during the two-week period, rather than providing access to materials for future topics. This approach ensures that students remain focused on the current topic, allowing them to solidify their understanding and skills without being distracted by subsequent topics.

 

Moreover, this sequential teaching approach has been adopted by other top-tier universities, such as Harvard and MIT.