Visual Simulator for Mastering Fundamental Concepts of Machine Learning

Abstract

Machine learning (ML) has become an increasingly popular choice of scientific research for many students due to its application in various fields. However, students often have difficulty starting with machine learning concepts due to too much focus on programming. Therefore, they are deprived of a more profound knowledge of machine learning concepts. The purpose of this research study was the analysis of introductory courses in machine learning at some of the best-ranked universities in the world and existing software tools used in those courses and designed to assist in learning machine learning concepts. Most university courses are based on the Python programming language and tools realized in this language. Other tools with less focus on programming are quite difficult to master. The research further led to the proposal of a new practical tool that users can use to learn without needing to know any programming language or programming skills. The simulator includes three methods: linear regression, decision trees, and k-nearest neighbors. In the research, several case studies are presented with applications of all realized ML methods based on real problems.