Quantum Computing and the Future of ICT: I SEE teaching-learning module

This module aims to develop upper secondary school students’ future-thinking skills, imagination and agency with regard to societal issues in the context of quantum computing and the future of ICT. The duration of the full module is ca. 20 teaching hours, but it consists of distinct activities, which can also be applied individually to teach separately about computers, quantum mechanics, systems thinking, and
scenario building.

Students learn about the historical development of computing, its connection to societal development, and the complexity of predicting the technological future. By studying different numeral systems, logical operations, algorithms and hardware components, students prepare themselves to make the fundamental
shift in computing paradigm and to replace bits with qubits. Learning quantum properties using the “spin first” approach paves the way for understanding quantum algorithms and thereby the superior computing power and future opportunities offered by quantum computers.

Throughout the module, students work on their “future projects” on a complex topic of their choice. To facilitate students’ problem-solving, they carry out activities in creative thinking, defining and mapping the problem, systems thinking, and scenario building. They employ three different ways of futures thinking to develop a variety of scenarios. At the end of the module, students present their projects – i.e. their ICT-based solution to a societal issue – using the empowering “backcasting” method.