The Finnish I SEE module on quantum computing and the future of ICT was implemented in April – May, 2018. The course comprised of two intensive course weekends, and one evening for students’ final presentations and closing ceremonies. Out of over 30 applicants from upper secondary schools in the Helsinki region, 24 students were selected on the course.
The first weekend started with opening lectures on the history, present and future of ICT, and the basics of futures studies. After the introductory lectures, the programme consisted of workshops on electronical computing and creative thinking. Highlights of the weekend included peeking inside a computer, and learning from past mistakes in predicting the development of ICT.
The second weekend was dedicated for learning of quantum mechanics and quantum computing, and using those views to fuel students’ imagination and future thinking. The students were led to the weird and probabilistic world of quanta, and its potential applications. Activities included quantum calculation exercises and demonstrations using a real quantum computer (IBM-Q), and workshops on systems thinking and scenario thinking.
After the two course weekends, students prepared their projects and presentations on their future vision in groups of four. These “future projects” were presented to the whole group and teachers in the closing event. After the backcasting presentations the students discussed the topics and commented on each others projects.
One group prepared this video on cyber security for their final presentation.
Over all, the course was very successful, and we want to thank the students for their active participation!