The emergence of artificial intelligence invites an age-old question: If tools are readily available to perform tasks, why should we invest time in learning those tasks ourselves? This inquiry, rooted even in the era of the abacus, remains pivotal today.
MIT’s Professor Devavrat Shah, a specialist in electrical engineering and computer science, emphasizes that the necessity for foundational skills, particularly in mathematics, has not diminished. Mastering these skills enables individuals to select the right tools and accurately interpret their outcomes.
“As large language models and generative AI evolve, they will significantly transform various industries and provide novel insights into challenges in research and policy,” asserts Shah. “Society needs individuals who understand the core concepts behind AI to fully harness its capabilities.”
Serving as a professor at MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), Shah directs the MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science. This program uniquely addresses the growing need for data literacy through its online courses.
“With over a thousand individuals earning credentials globally and tens of thousands more engaged since its launch, the MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science provides a robust yet flexible pathway for learners to develop a strong understanding of statistical fundamentals,” explains Shah.
Additionally, the MicroMasters serves as a foundation for IDSS’s educational partnerships, allowing an MIT team to collaborate with organizations to guide learners through its curriculum.
“Our initial strategic collaboration in education is with the Brescia Institute of Technology (BREIT) in Peru, where we’re delivering graduate-level data science education,” explains Fotini Christia, the Ford International Professor of the Social Sciences at MIT and IDSS’s director. “This initiative equips data scientists who are pivotal in steering decision-making within Peruvian industry, society, and policy.”
Empowering the Next Generation
BREIT’s Advanced Program in Data Science and Global Skills, conceived in partnership with IDSS, encompasses both the technical and soft skills necessary for leveraging the insights derived from data. Participants complete the MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science (SDS), acquiring knowledge in statistics, probability, data analysis, and machine learning, while also developing essential career skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and ethics.
“I recognized that areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science are the future, and I wanted to ride that wave,” shares BREIT learner Renato Castro, who has successfully completed the program. He has since undertaken data projects for various organizations in Peru, Panama, and Guatemala. “This program goes beyond mathematics; it instills a systematic approach to thinking that empowers you to address real-world challenges, creating value for both companies and communities.”
“Our goal is to nurture problem-solvers and leaders in a rapidly evolving field, empowering them to significantly contribute to both economic growth and social welfare in Peru,” says Lucia Haro, manager of BREIT. “Ultimately, we’re mentoring the next generation to drive meaningful change.”
To bolster this mission, IDSS supports BREIT learners with personalized guidance. MIT graduate student teaching assistants facilitate regular interactive sessions to provide hands-on experience, address queries, and highlight areas for additional resource development.
“These sessions were invaluable because they helped bridge the theoretical aspects of the lectures with practical application,” remarks Jesús Figueroa, a program alumni who now acts as a local teaching assistant. Figueroa emphasizes the importance of being able to effectively communicate complex concepts to new learners.
Eight cohorts have completed the program, with three more currently underway, leading to nearly 100 MicroMasters credential holders and an additional 90 in the pipeline. As BREIT scaled its operations, the IDSS team continuously adapted, even developing a technical assessment tool for applicant screening.
“This assessment evaluates applicants’ familiarity with essential knowledge such as calculus, elementary linear algebra, and basic Python programming,” explains Karene Chu, IDSS MicroMasters Assistant Director. “By ensuring the questions are randomized and automated scoring is applied, we have streamlined the recruitment process while helping applicants identify areas for improvement.”
Since implementing this tool, the program has undergone further enhancements, integrating ongoing feedback from MIT teaching assistants regarding data projects. This structured guidance through various stages of the projects ensures optimal results for both learners and their project sponsors. Meanwhile, the MicroMasters program has broadened its offerings in response to industry needs by introducing a course on time series analysis and creating specialized learning tracks for a personalized experience.
“Partner feedback is crucial; it helps us navigate the evolving landscape and meet demand effectively,” notes Susana Kevorkova, program manager of IDSS MicroMasters. “With BREIT, we now offer a prerequisite ‘bootcamp’ to assist learners from diverse backgrounds in refreshing or bridging knowledge gaps. We’re constantly exploring ways to enhance value for our partners.”
Driving Better Decisions for Greater Impact
To expedite data skill development, BREIT’s program emphasizes hands-on engagements with real-world data projects. These initiatives, developed alongside local NGOs, aim to address various social challenges and improve the quality of life for citizens in Peru.
“I collaborated with an NGO to investigate why students were not completing their graduate studies,” shares Diego Trujillo Chappa, a BREIT learner and MicroMasters credential holder. “We created a refined model that considered key student attributes, such as reading proficiency and income, all while striving to eliminate biases based on their backgrounds.”
“Our methodology enabled the NGO to identify a broader pool of potential applicants,” he adds. “This is an important advancement for the organization, facilitating more informed data analysis.”
Similarly, Yajaira Huerta tackled a pressing issue related to homelessness during the Covid-19 pandemic. “I worked with an organization dedicated to building homes for those in need,” she recounts. “We faced the challenge of pinpointing areas with the highest demand to streamline resource distribution — an area where data tools can make a significant difference.”
“We constructed a clustering model that captured essential indicators and employed geolocation to highlight critical need zones,” Huerta explains. “This played a crucial role in assisting the team in making well-informed decisions.”
Building Global Networks and Pipelines
As part of the expanding global IDSS community, MicroMasters credential holders gain access to workshops and conferences. Through BREIT’s collaboration with IDSS, learners can foster connections with MIT faculty beyond recorded lectures. Some students from BREIT have even visited MIT, engaging with faculty and students to explore ongoing research initiatives.
“I’m utterly captivated by the innovations happening here, particularly with AI and nanotechnology. It truly inspires me,” expresses Huerta following her campus experience.
During their most recent visit in February, BREIT learners received their completion certificates in person, toured the iconic MIT campus, participated in engaging discussions with students and faculty, and previewed an exciting new MicroMasters course in sports analytics designed by mechanical engineering professor Anette “Peko” Hosoi.
“Hosting BREIT and their exceptionally talented learners brings our collaborative efforts full circle. It’s vital, especially as MicroMasters graduates represent a pool of potential candidates for our graduate programs,” states Christia. “This partnership is a model we are eager to enhance, crafting similar networks and pathways for data science talent around the globe.”
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
