Homework 2 ✍🏻

Back to the ML/DL Course - 2025 Fall (AI5213/EC4213/AI4021/CT5303/ET5402/FE5402)

Due: Sunday, Oct 19, at 11:59 PM
Language: English (Spoken explanation, slides, and notes)
Question: Ed discussion

Objective

Record a 15-20 minute YouTube video teaching key concepts from ISLP Chapters 4-7. Select one topic set, explain the material in your own words, and solve the associated problem as if you’re the instructor.

Learning goals:

  • Practice presenting technical concepts clearly in English
  • Strengthen understanding by teaching others
  • Gain academic communication experience
  • Connect theory to applications (optional)

Deliverables

Submit ONE PDF file to Gradescope under “HW2” that combines:

  1. Outline Report (Page 1)
    • Use the template provided (Click)
    • Required fields:
      • Name & Student ID
      • YouTube link
      • Topic & Problem set number
      • Video timestamps (copy exactly from YouTube)
      • Citations (if you use additional materials)
      • Collaborations (if any)
  2. Your Presentation Slides + Problem Solution (Page 2 onwards)
    • Export your slides to PDF
    • Include your complete problem solution:
      • Theory problems (Sets 1, 2, 3, 5, 7): Written solution
      • Coding problems (Sets 4, 6, 8): Code screenshots with compiled results

Note: Merge both documents into a single PDF before uploading.

Video Requirements

Duration: MUST be 15-20 minutes ⏱️:

  • Videos shorter than 15 or longer than 20 minutes will receive grade deductions
  • Practice your timing before final recording!

Recording Setup:

YouTube Upload:

  • Privacy Settings:
    • Must be Public or Unlisted (anyone with the link can view)
    • If uploaded as Private: Grade deduction + request to change
    • If not changed after request: Treated as no submission
  • Timestamps: REQUIRED in description
    • Format: MM:SS Topic name
    • Example: “00:00 Introduction, 02:30 Lasso, 05:20 Ridge…”
    • How to add timestamps
    • Without timestamps: Grade deduction

Presentation Materials:

  • Create using PowerPoint, Notion, Overleaf, figma, or any tool (export to PDF)
  • Ensure readability: appropriate font size, good contrast, clear spacing
  • Actively use images, tables, and plots
  • Equations: Typeset preferred, or attach clear handwritten images
  • Must be your original work (reference but don’t copy lecture slides)

Content Requirements

Choose ONE from the 8 Topic + Problem Sets (Click). Each set pairs a ISLP subtopic with an exercise.

Your video must include:

  1. Concept Explanation
    • You don’t need to cover everything in the subchapter
    • Focus on concepts you find most important - depth over breadth
    • Use ISLP textbook as primary reference
    • Each subtopic is concise, so read relevant sections carefully
  2. Problem Solution
    • Step-by-step walkthrough
    • Go beyond stating question and answer
    • Explain:
      • What the problem is asking
      • Which concepts are needed to solve it
      • Solution steps and why you take them
      • How earlier concepts connect to the problem
      • For multi-part problems: how sub-questions build to conclusion
    • Coding problems: Share Colab screen or embed code in slides
  3. Additional Content (Optional)
    • Recent research paper using the method
    • Real-world application example
    • Modern trends related to your topic
    • Can be integrated into concept explanation if flows better
    • Must be clearly marked in timestamps

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much background should I cover?

  • Focus on your chosen subtopic. Assume your audience (classmates) knows basics from earlier chapters. Brief recap is welcome, but avoid spending too much time re-teaching earlier material.

Q: Can I use lecture slides?

  • You may reference them, but presentation materials must be created by you. Direct copying is not allowed.

Q: How should I handle figures from external sources?

  • You may use figures from textbook, lecture slides, or other sources. Add a brief citation at the bottom of the slide (e.g., source name or link).

Q: How detailed should problem solving be?

  • Don’t just read the question and state the answer. Explain in detail: what concepts apply, why you chose your approach, and walk through each step. For coding problems, explain your code logic.

Q: Can I solve the problem live during recording?

  • Yes, you can either show pre-worked solutions and explain them, or solve live by annotating slides or using a tablet for handwriting.

Q: What if I go slightly over/under time?

  • The 15-20 minute limit is strict. Plan your content accordingly and practice beforehand.

Grading Criteria

Language Requirements

  • All components must be in English: spoken explanation in video, presentation slides, written solutions, and outline report.

Accuracy & Depth

  • Did you select a valid topic from the provided list?
  • Are key concepts and terminology explained correctly?
  • Do you demonstrate understanding beyond surface-level summary?
  • Is the theoretical foundation solid?

Problem Solving

  • Is the solution approach clearly explained?
  • Are the steps logical and well-justified?
  • Is the final answer correct?
  • Do you effectively use figures, derivations, or code to support understanding?
  • For multi-part problems, do you show how parts connect?

Organization & Communication

  • Is the presentation well-structured (clear intro, body, conclusion)?
  • Is delivery clear and engaging?
  • Did you stay within 15-20 minutes?
  • Are transitions between topics smooth?
  • Do timestamps accurately reflect content?

Presentation Materials

  • Are slides readable and well-designed?
  • Did you create original materials (not copied)?
  • Are citations properly provided?
  • Is the single PDF properly formatted with outline + slides?

Technical Quality

  • Is video/audio quality sufficient?
  • Is your face visible throughout?
  • Are slides clearly visible?
  • Is the YouTube link working and accessible?

Further Enrichment

  • Did you connect concepts to real-world applications?
  • Did you discuss recent research or modern trends?
  • Did you provide original insights or creative examples?
  • Is this clearly marked in timestamps as additional content?

Final Reminders

  • The 15-20 minute time limit is strict - videos outside this range will lose points
  • Submit everything as ONE PDF (outline report + slides together)
  • YouTube video must be Public or Unlisted, and you need timestamps in the description
  • Practice beforehand - most students will need some practice runs to get the timing right