Qubit by Qubit & Google Quantum AI: Insights and Best Practices for Teaching Quantum Computing to Early Learners*

While there has been growing global interest in quantum education from early learners, limited research exists on effective teaching and learning styles for these students - let alone, for early quantum learners of different STEM, educational, and demographic backgrounds. 

This year, Qubit by Qubit (QxQ), the world’s largest quantum education initiative for early learners, and Google Quantum AI, are looking to bridge this data gap through their partnership on QxQ’s 2023-24 Introduction to Quantum Computing course. The course, taught virtually with live instruction, is taken predominantly by high school and undergraduate students, and only requires high school-level geometry. This year, the 2,500+ students enrolled globally will learn topics in quantum mechanics, information, computation, and algorithms, as well as how to code in Cirq, Stim and Qualtran (Google’s open-source programming languages). In tandem with the 26-week course, QxQ and Google Quantum AI will be analyzing trends in students’ knowledge gains across the material covered.

In this talk, QxQ will share insights from their analysis on the knowledge gains and challenges that early learners face. In addition to their overarching findings, the talk will highlight similarities and differences in students’ knowledge gains based on their educational level and STEM backgrounds. It will also provide recommendations on ways to present complex topics to meet different educational needs and to minimize educational barriers.