University of Leeds - Hadeel Aboueidah

Hadeel Aboueidah

Artificial Intelligence Masters online student

Testimonial

May 2021 intake

Please could you begin by introducing yourself?

My name is Hadeel Aboueidah, I am from Palestine, but I was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, and I am just finishing my online Masters in Artificial intelligence with the University of Leeds.

I am a Creative Design and Innovation Teacher at a high school, where I teach students about the basics of engineering design, circuits, 3D modelling, programming, and some AI as well.

Why did you choose to study a Masters in Artificial Intelligence?

My background is in electronic and electrical engineering, and I have always been interested in using AI and machine learning models to enhance the performance of electric vehicles, and particularly electric batteries.

I felt that the course could be a really powerful tool for me to develop my knowledge of the subject.

Why did you choose to study this course online rather than in-person?

I chose to study this course online because it allowed me to keep my job while being able to pursue the Masters. Also, I would say that I work better as an independent learner, so I felt that online learning is something that’s better suited for me.

How have you found the experience of online study? What is the best thing about it?

The best thing about studying online is having a bit more freedom to study at times that are convenient and being able to learn at your own pace. I found that online lectures do have the advantage of being recorded, meaning you can always pause or go back to a previous part of the lecture.

I believe this is important because sometimes we are not always 100% focused. And this is human nature; sometimes we are tired, and sometimes we zone out, so I think it’s a good thing to have the learning materials available to go back to when you are more focused or mentally present.

What have you found most interesting on the course so far?

I think the most interesting thing that I learnt about AI was on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence module when we discussed whether AI is a tool or field.

Since then, I started considering AI as a tool that can be used and integrated within many other fields like medicine, engineering, and arts. I personally like to read about other fields, so having a tool that can improve performance in other industries is really interesting.

What have been the highlights of your course? Have you learned anything that has inspired you?

One of my happiest moments is when I had to deliver a class about machine learning to my students at work. When preparing the class, I was breaking things down to make it simple for students, given it was the first time they were being introduced to AI.

I got positive feedback from them, and it made me feel satisfied with my own learning journey, and that I truly understand AI as a result of studying the Masters.

Would you recommend this course to other students and if so, why? 

For anyone who is working and can’t leave their job for whatever reason, I think this course will be perfect. The staff and the Digital Education Service (DES) do take job commitments into consideration, and they are very supportive when you are experiencing pressure.

Could you tell us a little bit about your current role? And how is your Masters in Artificial Intelligence helping you succeed in it?

As a teacher, parts of the curriculum that I deliver are around Artificial Intelligence, so this course has helped me to empower my students and get them interested in AI. It’s been really rewarding for me to be able to share my knowledge to the next generation of professionals.

What are your career aspirations? How do you think your degree will support them?

Looking ahead, I believe this degree will open many doors for me. At some point in the future, I want to join the industry as an AI professional and to try something else other than teaching, and I think this Masters will help me to do so.

Why did you choose to study with the University of Leeds?

The University of Leeds is a well-known university and when I was applying, I felt it offered the best course in the market. I looked at the structure of modules and thought that they covered the most relevant topics of AI for me to learn.

How did you find the application process?

The application process was very smooth and easy. Once you have all the requirements that are listed on the website, things are very organised after that. You just need to upload documentation that proves you meet the entry requirements, but following this, the process was very simple.

How did your Enrolment Advisor support you? 

The Enrolment Advisors helped me to understand the structure of the course before I joined. They would regularly send check-up emails and I spoke to them over the phone a few times to address any concerns or questions. They were super responsive and helpful.

Could you tell us a little more about other support you have received from the University so far?

The Digital Education Service (DSE) were very supportive to me during my online learning journey. They showed understanding and compassion when I was struggling because of pressure at work which I really appreciated.

How have you found the support from your tutors at Leeds?

The academic staff are very helpful when needed. Usually, I’m not the type of student who would go directly to my tutor if I was struggling with something, as I prefer to look for things on my own which this course enabled me to do. However, there were occasions when I needed support from the academic staff, and they were very helpful and responsive.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is considering studying a Masters with the University of Leeds, what would it be?

I would say you need to know your learning style before joining an online course. If you’re comfortable with being an independent learner, having to tackle things on your own a lot of the time, then you should consider joining the course. There are people who will support you but you do need to work and research independently.

Also, if you are working, time management is crucial. You’ll be spending weekends and holidays doing coursework, so you will need to make some sacrifices, but it will all be worth it in the end!

Online postgraduate courses - University of Leeds