Quantum computing is groundbreaking and could be the next big technological leap. But what exactly is it? Should schools be thinking about it? How could it impact education? Here are a few of the things teachers need to consider.
Quantum computing is a new way of doing computation that uses the principles of quantum mechanics – the physics of very small particles like atoms and electrons. Normal Computers use bits, which can be either 0 or 1. Think of these like a light switch – it can be off (0) or on (1). By combining lots of bits, computers do calculations, play games or run apps.
Quantum Computers, on the other hand, use qubits (short for ‘quantum bits’), which instead of being just 0 or 1, can be 0, 1, or a mix of both at the same time. This is called superposition. This time think of a coin. A normal bit is like a coin that’s either heads or tails. A qubit is like a coin spinning in the air – it’s kind of both until it lands. Qubits can also be linked together (entangled). If you change one, the other changes instantly, even if they’re far apart. This makes them work together in powerful ways (if a little mysteriously, too).
Why is this Important?
What this means is that quantum computers can try out many, many, many calculations at once. For certain problems (like factoring huge numbers, searching unsorted data, or simulating molecules), they are hugely faster than traditional computers. They could help us discover new medicines, make better materials and solve really tricky puzzles, as well as improve AI and other future technology.
What could this mean for the classroom?
Although still in its early stages, it’s already clear that quantum computing has the potential to reshape education and could have a big effect on schools and learning in a number of ways:
- New subjects to learn – Just like coding became part of school studies, quantum basics might be taught, too. It also blends physics, maths, computer science, and engineering. Schools might design new courses or modules combining these fields. As with artificial intelligence, quantum technology will require learners to think about not just ‘how it works’ but ‘what it means’ for society.
- Simulations – Quantum computers excel at modelling complex systems. In education, this could mean simulating chemical reactions, physics experiments, or even economic models – allowing students to explore ideas that are impossible to run on standard computers.
- Smarter and personalised learning – Quantum-powered AI could analyse huge datasets of student performance and adapt lessons more intelligently than today’s tools.
- Future jobs – Many new careers (like quantum software developers or scientists) will appear, so learning the basics now will help prepare for the future.
- Cryptography and security – Teachers and students may need to learn how quantum computing could break current encryption systems – and what that means for privacy and digital citizenship.
Challenges and limitations
While being super powerful for certain things, quantum computers are still being developed and have a long way to go before becoming mainstream. They are small and fragile, and require extreme conditions (like near absolute zero temperatures). Qubits lose their quantum state quickly, anything from a few seconds to a fraction of a millisecond. This means the computer cannot perform long or complex calculations reliably. Improving qubit stability is one of the biggest challenges in building practical quantum computers.
Looking to the future
Quantum computing is not just a faster version of today’s computers, it’s a completely different model of computation that could solve certain problems current computers simply can’t.
This quantum computing-powered technology could supercharge learning and open new subjects. It will likely start as an advanced topic, then gradually filter into general science curricula. It could provide powerful new teaching tools, but it also raises challenges around access, equity, and teacher training. Whether or not it’s a quantum leap for education, it certainly promises fascinating and speedy times ahead.
Article by Greg Adams, Editor, INTERFACE Magazine.
INTERFACE August 2025