Teaching quantum computing with an interactive textbook

TL;DR

This paper presents an open-source interactive textbook designed to enhance quantum computing education by leveraging accessible quantum hardware and software tools, thereby broadening learning opportunities in quantum information science.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive online textbook that utilizes open-source tools and hardware to improve quantum computing education and engagement.

Findings

Increased accessibility of quantum computing concepts for learners.

Effective integration of open-source software and hardware in education.

Enhanced understanding of quantum information science through interactive learning.

Abstract

Quantum computing is a technology that promises to offer significant advantages during the coming decades. Though the technology is still in a prototype stage, the last few years have seen many of these prototype devices become accessible to the public. This has been accompanied by the open-source development of the software required to use and test quantum hardware in increasingly sophisticated ways. Such tools provide new education opportunities, not just for quantum computing specifically, but also more broadly for quantum information science and even quantum physics as a whole. In this paper we present a case study of one education resource which aims to take advantage of the opportunities: the open-source online textbook `Learn Quantum Computation using Qiskit'. An overview of the topics covered is given, as well as an explanation of the approach taken for each.