Major tech companies are betting quantum computers will be the next big technological breakthrough. Quantum computers take advantage of the famously strange laws of quantum mechanics, which explain the universe at the smallest levels.
If quantum computing is perfected, it could boost current computing capabilities in profound ways. Google, IBM, Microsoft, Nvidia, and other major tech companies are investing heavily in the emerging field, and if the technology proves even partially as powerful as some believe it will be, quantum computers will have profound impacts on AI, medicine, industry, and, of course, education.
For teachers looking to keep themselves and their students up-to-date on the latest and greatest tech news, learning about quantum computing is an engaging idea. Be warned, however: Quantum computers are dizzyingly complex and rely on difficult-to-understand equations and far-out concepts from physics.
I’ve recently become fascinated by quantum computers on a personal level because of what these potentially tells us about the nature of our reality. Here are some resources I’ve found that have helped me better understand the technology, and could also help fellow educators and their students.
1. A Quantum Computer Primer From Tech & Learning
Early this year, I interviewed Lance Key about quantum computers. Key is a technology guru, educator, and support specialist at the Putnam County School System in Cookeville, Tennessee. Key discussed the basics of what educators should know about this exciting new technology. Reading this short article will give you a quick idea on many basic aspects, including the difference between qubits—quantum bits—that quantum computers run on, and the traditional bits that power classical computers.
2. A Chance To Try Quantum Computing For Free
More advanced coding students might be interested in working with existing quantum computers directly. IBM’s quantum platform allows free access to quantum computers through the cloud as well as tutorials in quantum computing programming. Exploring these resources could be a wonderful opportunity for serious computer science students to start learning the basics behind what could be next computer revolution.
3. A Helpful YouTube Series
If the previous option sounded a little too intimidating, IBM also has a helpful series on YouTube that covers everything from the basics of quantum computing to more advanced quantum concepts. Many videos are led by physicist and IBM scientist Olivia Lanes, who has a gift for breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand examples.
For educators in the greater New York area, IBM also sometimes offers class tours of the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., which is home to some of IBM’s most advanced quantum computers. I’ve had the opportunity to take a tour of the facility and it’s a fascinating window into what may be the future of computing.
4. A Free Quantum Computing Course
Google is another tech giant going all in on the quantum computing revolution. They also offer many resources for learning more, including Hands-on Quantum Error Correction with Google Quantum AI, a free Coursera course. The one-module course is designed to take about three weeks to complete, at 10 hours per week, and is aimed at an undergraduate student or researcher looking to learn the basics of how some of the challenges in the emerging field of quantum computing are being solved.
5. David Deutsch’s Writing
For educators and students more interested in the scientific theories behind quantum computers than the nuts and bolts of actually running one, there is arguably no better source than David Deutsch’s The Fabric of Reality. Often referred to as "the father of quantum computing," Deutsch is an Oxford physicist who developed one of the founding equations of quantum computing. While the book only focuses briefly on quantum computing, it gives a detailed overview of why he believes the multiverse is real and how it can explain why quantum computing works. While not everyone agrees with Deutsch, his ideas are not dismissed out of hand in the scientific community, and he’s a fascinating and influential figure in both physics and quantum computing
