Neural Networks in One Picture
A neural network sounds difficult, but its main idea is small. It is a team of tiny decision-makers. Each one weighs a few inputs and passes a signal on. Put enough of them in layers, and they can recognise faces, translate languages and write text.
New words
- Neural network
- Many neurons joined in layers, which learn by changing their weights.
- Neuron
- A tiny unit that weighs its inputs and passes on a signal.
- Weight
- A number that says how much one input matters.
- Signal
- The answer a neuron sends on to the next neurons.
- Layer
- A row of neurons that work together at one step.
- Hidden layer
- A middle layer that finds patterns in what the layer before it sent.
- Deep learning
- Learning with a network that has many middle layers.
What you will learn
- Start with a decision you make every day
- A neuron is a tiny decision-maker
- Try it: one neuron, one decision
- Layers: many neurons working together
- Try it: send a signal through a network
- How does a network learn?
- Is a neural network like the brain?
- Where you see it every day
- Explain it to a friend
10 quiz questions at the end.
The full lesson, with interactive demos and the quiz, opens after you sign in with Google. It is free.