The technology I’m most excited about is the use of Quantum Computing in mainstream education. While it’s use outside of a physics classroom is still growing, the advent of new computers and classrooms that run quantum computing hardware introduces complex STEM calculations from an early developmental age. What traditionally was something introduced for bachelor’s of physics students, can now be accessed early main stream. Complex equations which normally would take billions of computers can be done with one system and skills, experience and competencies normally required to do quantum mechanics can now be reached in as early as K-12 education. Below is a pictograph pulled from Mckinsey (2024) about the possibilities of Quantum Computing:
This introduction of new tools but also new ways of thinking of quantum mechanics for the mainstream, can expand the way we think aboutthe world’s problemss. Traditional methods of problem solving would be enhanced as tools, interfaces and computers can now calculate billions of times stronger than traditional algorithms.
How would you be able to deliver education, knowing your computational reaches go up by a billion fold?
References
https://quantumcomputing.ubc.ca/education/k-12-education
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/the-rise-of-quantum-computing
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/quantum-computing-is-the-future-and-schools-need-to-catch-up/
https://www.spinquanta.com/products-services/spinq-gemini-mini
https://www.spinquanta.com/quantum-computing-solutions/education
This is interesting topic Rico!
However, I would tend to explore a bit more on quantum computing in senior high school application instead of K-12 as young kids better learn from play, sensory stimulus and f2f interaction.
This is a great start and I am curious how quantum computing can facilitate pre-college edu, how it could help students understand abstract concepts, and what it means for pedagogy evolution.
Hey Jiange,
Thank you for your reply, in your response to the question, I do think there’s going to be growing pains as quantum computing can feel like a step up from AI and we’re still trying to find pedagogies that match AI (are we finding ways to be constructivist with AI? are we allowing learning to happen with our different strategies?).
One of the things I’d like to do a deep dive into, is exactly what you’ve pointed out into what kind of pedagogy can this capability help with. In your case the population with pre-college students, how can we create content that starts from Gr.10 and follows into higher education and corporate education? What is the whole of education approach that we can be intentional with this technology and achieve the betterment of mankind that this technology promises?
Hi Rico,
Thank you for this summary and set of interesting links. I don’t think the imminent impact and implications of quantum computing can possibly be understated in Education or any other industry so it certainly deserves representation in this list of market projections.
I really like the angle you have taken here by showing how it’s about time we started introducing students to concepts of quantum computing in classrooms. The SPINQ looks especially exciting and there is no doubt that giving students a chance to literally play with a quantum computer will spark interest, excitement and spur many on to study the field. There have been countless examples of this kind of approach throughout the decades since computers first made an appearance in classrooms and giving students hands on access to the newest technologies is a tried and true way to help this generation of students become the next wave of innovators and pioneers.
Personally, the advantages of quantum computing in education seem to point to new and exciting assessment tools for educators – yes, I put exciting and assessment in the same sentence. There is so much an educator could and would glean from any student interaction or artifact if only they had the time to do it all in a fraction of second. Tools powered by quantum computing and AI could do exactly this and provide useful guidance teachers in real time. This will absolutely revolutionize teaching and learning once these tools are developed and begin to take root in classrooms.
Hey Ken,
Thanks for your comment, I appreciate your thoughts on the types of interactions that we could have between educators and learners. There’s so many considerations and thoughts that I had when you commented on that. I also liked your comments on how we started in education with the home computers in the classrooms and the type of growth we’ve had since then. Quantum computing is definitely new territory for all of us and comes really close to just when we’re starting to be familiar with AI, I hope we have time to get to sit with quantum computing before the next big thing.