Improving Student Self-Confidence in Quantum Computing with the Qubit Touchdown Board Game (2501.10449v2)

Abstract: Qubit Touchdown is a two-player, competitive board game that was developed to introduce students to quantum computing. A quantum computer is a new kind of computer that is based on the laws of quantum physics, and it can solve certain problems faster than normal computers because it follows a different set of rules. Qubit Touchdown's game play mirrors the rules of (American) football, with players taking turns moving the football to score the most touchdowns, and no knowledge of quantum computing is needed to play the game. We evaluated the game with 107 public high school students in Precalculus, Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics, and/or AP Physics 1 courses, assessing whether their interest in and self-confidence in their ability to learn quantum computing changed as a result of playing the game and learning about its connections to quantum computing. We also assessed whether the game was easy to learn and enjoyable. We found that students' interest in quantum computing increased slightly ($p<0.05$), but students' self-confidence in their ability to learn quantum computing saw greater gains ($p<0.001$); students also widely considered the game accessible and fun. Thus, Qubit Touchdown could be an effective resource to introduce students to Quantum Computing and boost their confidence in learning about the field. Free printables of the game are available, and professionally produced copies can be purchased on demand.

• The paper demonstrates that the Qubit Touchdown game improves student self-efficacy, evidenced by a 33.4% increase among high school students.
• It employs a gamified approach using a football analogy and Bloch sphere mechanics to simulate quantum state transitions.
• The evaluation of 107 students reveals high recommendation (83.2%) and enjoyment (84.1%), highlighting its potential as an educational tool.

Improving Student Self-Efficacy in Quantum Computing Through Qubit Touchdown

The research paper "Improving Student Self-Efficacy in Quantum Computing with the Qubit Touchdown Board Game" explores an educational strategy involving the use of a board game to enhance student self-efficacy and interest in quantum computing. The authors, Kristina Armbruster, Gintaras Duda, and Thomas G. Wong, have conducted a structured evaluation involving high school students to ascertain the potential of this gamified learning approach in introducing complex quantum computing principles in an accessible manner.

Overview of Qubit Touchdown

Qubit Touchdown is a two-player board game designed to reflect quantum computing concepts through familiar mechanics akin to American football. The game does not require players to have prior knowledge of quantum computing, thus serving as an introductory tool. The game board includes various positions representing quantum states, and players use cards that analogize quantum gates to move a football token with the objective of scoring touchdowns. This game structure is designed to mimic the operational flexibility and states of a quantum bit (qubit), utilizing a Bloch sphere representation to explain quantum states transition during gameplay.

Methodology and Student Evaluation

The paper involved 107 public high school students from Precalculus, AP Statistics, and AP Physics 1 classes. The paper's focus is on gauging whether the game enhances student self-efficacy and interest in quantum computing, assessing the game's usability and enjoyment. Surveys consisting of Likert scale questions were administered at three stages: before playing the game, after gameplay, and post-instruction on the game’s link to quantum computing concepts. The analysis provided compelling evidence of the utility of Qubit Touchdown as an educational tool: a significant 33.4% increase was observed in students' self-efficacy regarding learning quantum computing, substantiated by a statistically significant improvement across survey responses.

Strong Numerical Outcomes and Implications

The key takeaway from the paper is the 33.4% net improvement in student confidence, indicating that Qubit Touchdown effectively alleviates intimidation often associated with quantum computing concepts. Furthermore, 83.2% of students recommended the game as a quantum learning tool, while 84.1% found it enjoyable to play. This reflects the potential for gamification to make complex subjects more approachable and engaging.

Implications and Future Directions

Practically, the deployment of Qubit Touchdown can serve as a strategic pedagogical intervention to initiate students into quantum computing, a field identified as vital to future technological development and national security by various U.S. strategic plans. Theoretically, the game's success in boosting self-efficacy without significantly altering interest suggests room for more holistic assessments that include components of motivation and longitudinal impact on career choices. Future developments could focus on refining game integration into formal curricula, or investigating similar learning applications for other emergent, complex domains in science and technology.

This research expands the educational toolkit available for STEM educators and stakeholders, underpinning the value of innovative, non-traditional methods, such as games, in delivering technical knowledge and skill development. The game is accessible as both free printables and a purchasable version, offering flexible deployment options for varying educational contexts.

In conclusion, Qubit Touchdown stands as an illustrative case of how educational game design can nurture self-efficacy and learning in complex STEM fields, potentially catalyzing broader student engagement and foundational understanding requisite for participation in advanced technological careers.