Contribution:QC has potential for significant speedup in data and signal analysis in industrial, academic, and government applications. This article introduces new software tools integrated in the online Java-digital signal processing (J-DSP) simulation platform for undergraduate (UG) exposition to quantum computing (QC).Background:In response to national calls for early UG exposition to QC, we develop new J-DSP functionality and quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) tools. In addition, we describe the deployment and evaluation of a hands-on online exercise to introduce UG students to QFT-based signal analysis-synthesis.Intended Outcomes:The primary goal is to expose students to QC by leveraging the new interactive QFT tools in J-DSP. These tools enable rapid exploration of key concepts, such as QFT resolution, qubit precision, and noise effects in signal analysis. Students use the QFT functions in an online QC exercise that we designed.Application Design:The J-DSP interactive online education tools are designed for quick UG exposition to QC. A QFT exercise on speech analysis-synthesis is designed and evaluated. UG Students explore in single hands-on exposition session simple compression steps, including QFT peak picking used in audio coding applications. The QFT functions are designed for quick deployment and UG exposition outside the classroom.Findings:Evaluations of the QFT tools are conducted with pre and post-assessments and interviews examining satisfaction with the system and impact on knowledge acquisition. To analyze the impact of this supplementary QC exposition tool, students were recruited from two senior UG signal processing classes and from a summer research experience for UG (REU) cohort. A paired samples t-test was used to examine changes from pre to post-assessments. The students indicated increased level of understanding at post-assessments. However, a few students reported having at times difficulty with the system. However, the majority of the participants indicated the program was suitable for introductory/exposition sessions.Key Insight:Generally, students found the J-DSP quantum tools effective and easy to use and suggested that adding more qualitative video materials and applying QC to other digital signal processing (DSP) functions would further enhance the learning experience.
Contribution:QC has potential for significant speedup in data and signal analysis in industrial, academic, and government applications. This article introduces new software tools integrated in the online Java-digital signal processing (J-DSP) simulation platform for undergraduate (UG) exposition to quantum computing (QC).Background:In response to national calls for early UG exposition to QC, we develop new J-DSP functionality and quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) tools. In addition, we describe the deployment and evaluation of a hands-on online exercise to introduce UG students to QFT-based signal analysis-synthesis.Intended Outcomes:The primary goal is to expose students to QC by leveraging the new interactive QFT tools in J-DSP. These tools enable rapid exploration of key concepts, such as QFT resolution, qubit precision, and noise effects in signal analysis. Students use the QFT functions in an online QC exercise that we designed.Application Design:The J-DSP interactive online education tools are designed for quick UG exposition to QC. A QFT exercise on speech analysis-synthesis is designed and evaluated. UG Students explore in single hands-on exposition session simple compression steps, including QFT peak picking used in audio coding applications. The QFT functions are designed for quick deployment and UG exposition outside the classroom.Findings:Evaluations of the QFT tools are conducted with pre and post-assessments and interviews examining satisfaction with the system and impact on knowledge acquisition. To analyze the impact of this supplementary QC exposition tool, students were recruited from two senior UG signal processing classes and from a summer research experience for UG (REU) cohort. A paired samples t-test was used to examine changes from pre to post-assessments. The students indicated increased level of understanding at post-assessments. However, a few students reported having at times difficulty with the system. However, the majority of the participants indicated the program was suitable for introductory/exposition sessions.Key Insight:Generally, students found the J-DSP quantum tools effective and easy to use and suggested that adding more qualitative video materials and applying QC to other digital signal processing (DSP) functions would further enhance the learning experience.
This paper presents the development of Quantum Fourier transform (QFT) education tools in the object-oriented Java-DSP (J-DSP) simulation environment. More specifically, QFT and Inverse QFT (IQFT) user-friendly J-DSP functions are developed to expose undergraduate students to quantum computing. These functions provide opportunities to examine QFT resolution, precision (qubits), and the effects of quantum measurement noise. In our study, we also describe a laboratory exercise on QFT-based speech analysis-synthesis which has been deployed in our senior-level DSP class and in our NSF workforce development programs. The software and the laboratory exercise are evaluated using formative and summative assessments.
This Innovative Practice Work in Progress Paper describes the development and assessment of a web-based simulation lab exercise introducing basic quantum computing concepts in a sophomore signals and systems course. Specifically, students make the connection between quantum computing and signals and systems theory through a comparative study of using Quantum Fourier Transforms and Fast Fourier Transforms for a speech analysis-synthesis application. In addition, quantum noise models are introduced and simulated to show their effect on computation performance. Statistics from pre/post quizzes show that there is significant knowledge improvement by completing the lab exercise.
This paper introduces a hybrid two-dimensional Quantum Fourier Transform (2D hybrid QFT) method for image analysis and synthesis. The QFT and Inverse QFT (IQFT) functions enable analysis-synthesis implementation using frequency spectrum-based selection approaches for compression. We study the resolution and precision of the QFT by comparing its outputs against classical two-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) techniques using pixel-level Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) as a metric. Formative and summative assessments have been deployed as a laboratory exercise in two National Science Foundation (NSF) workforce development programs. Preliminary evaluation results are presented in this paper.
Investments in quantum technologies, which are based on the effects of quantum mechanics, have escalated in recent years, with big players such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft engaging in the race for quantum supremacy. Some potential benefits of this cutting-edge technology include developing new drugs and materials through accurate molecule simulation, establishing more secure and reliable communication channels, and finding faster solutions for complex optimization problems. As quantum technologies evolve, however, the demand for new software, interfaces, and end-to-end systems to properly program and explore the advantages of quantum mechanics becomes paramount. This requires engineers, especially software engineers, and computer scientists, to have multidisciplinary knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, introductory quantum computing and technologies courses are mostly available in physics, and most engineering and computer science courses do not have modules on quantum physics, leading to a talent gap in the current job market. Therefore, this paper proposes a short teaching plan for introducing quantum computing to students with a more technology-based background, such as computer science and engineering students. This plan uses active learning methodologies, such as Challege-Based Teaching, to better engage these students and contextualize the many applications of this new technology. The initial teaching plan consists of a 3-hour seminar introducing the main quantum mechanics concepts and the technology applications, a 3-hour introduction to the math fundamentals and quantum logic gates, and a 3-hour handson workshop using the IBM Qiskit platform. Two versions of this plan were executed in two different moments: (1) a one-day event open to undergraduate students from different institutions and backgrounds, and (2) a 3-day internal training course for computer science and information technology management undergraduate students from our higher education institution. Data was collected during both events through online forms and interviews to measure the learning outcomes of the produced material and better understand the public interest in the field. The results identified key elements for better teaching quantum computing for computer scientists and engineers, providing guidelines for developing a more extensive and term-long teaching plan for undergraduate technology courses.
This thesis investigates how a hands-on introductory Quantum Computing (QC) course can be effectively designed for students of Computer Science and Media (CSM) at a University of Applied Sciences (UAS). Using a mixed-methods approach - including a literature review, focus group discussions, and a student survey - the study addresses five core research questions concerning course content, abstraction level, instructional methodology, and tool selection. The findings highlight that foundational quantum computing concepts (e.g. superposition, entanglement, interference) should be prioritized, while complex mathematical formulations may be omitted without impairing students’ practical understanding. The research supports a moderately abstract, application-driven course structure, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on programming using tools such as IBM Composer and Qiskit. Both students and lecturers emphasized the importance of accessible, cost-efficient platforms with strong visual and interactive elements. The proposed course framework promotes project-based learning, flexibility, and just-in-time theoretical instruction, accommodating the varied backgrounds of CSM students. This work contributes to the growing field of quantum education in non-physics domains and offers a blueprint for interdisciplinary, practice-oriented QC instruction. Future research is encouraged to incorporate industry perspectives, assess long-term learning outcomes, and expand course content to include topics like quantum ethics.
This study aims to design and implement a quantum computing education program suitable for high school students, given the growing significance of quantum computing in diverse scientific and industrial fields. While quantum computing is rapidly gaining attention for its potential to revolutionize computational speed and address complex problems, the gap in early education for pre-university students remains notable, especially in South Korea. This research examined international and domestic trends in quantum computing education, developed an activity-based curriculum integrating simulation tools and collaborative problem solving, and applied it to a group of high school students. Through pre- and post-program surveys, activity sheets, and qualitative feedback, the results show a significant increase in students’ understanding and interest in quantum computing concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates. The study highlights that an experiential, STEAM-integrated approach using visual and hands-on resources effectively lowers conceptual barriers and enhances engagement. However, challenges such as a lack of prior knowledge and limited educational materials persist. The research suggests policy and curriculum improvements as well as extended teacher training are required to bridge the global educational gap in quantum computing, and indicates that systematic integration of quantum concepts at the high school level is both feasible and impactful.