Foundations

These are a series of Foundational Concepts learning resources I developed to prepare students for core, more advanced, topics in both my Data Analytics and Portfolio Management classes. They were designed using microlearning principles, featuring small sessions on single concepts, integrating visual elements and animations to enhance understanding and retention.

Probability and Statistics

Randomness is at the core of finance, being central to define uncertainty and risk. I explain randomness using a familiar experience: the distance traveled by a dandelion seed. Then, I draw an analogy between the random variable "distance" and the random variable "investment return" to introduce scenario analysis and statistical measures. Once these basic concepts are well-settled, I move away from the dandelion analogy and concentrate on finance applications. The last concepts I cover are differences between theoretical vs. empirical distributions and expected vs. realized returns.

Algebra and Geometry

Many of the relationships we study in the Portfolio Management course are simple applications of Algebra or Geometry, and a refresher of these concepts is a great start. For example, I illustrate how linear relationships are represented in the Cartesian plane, so when we cover CAPM, the meaning of an asset's beta using the Security Market Line is readily apparent. Similarly, an animation of linear regression mechanics gently introduces the idea of optimization, which later will be connected to the coefficients found in factor models. Students in the course Data Analytics are also introduced to vectors, matrices, and their mathematical manipulations using a visual approach, providing context for the results they will later obtain using statistical libraries.

And more...

This is just a small sample of dozens of animated content pieces I have developed, and counting! You can view some of them by attending my lectures. In the near future, the full collection will be available in a micro-learning app.