Abstract:

The transition from classical to quantum computing presents significant conceptual challenges for undergraduate computer science students, particularly when instruction relies heavily on abstract mathematical formalism. While students often enter with strong familiarity in classical algorithms, their understanding of quantum counterparts and the relationship between the two remains limited. In a pre-activity survey (n=8), students reported moderate understanding of classical Fourier methods (3.8/5) but low familiarity with the Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) and its structural connection to the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) (1.8/5).

To address this gap, we developed an interactive instructional approach that explicitly connects classical algorithms to their quantum counterparts through executable notebooks, visualizations, and guided activities. In particular, familiar classical concepts such as the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) are used to scaffold understanding of the QFT, allowing students to reason about quantum behavior through known computational structures.

We implemented this approach in a classroom setting and evaluated it using embedded questions that capture student reasoning during the activity, along with post-activity surveys and open-ended responses. Results indicate high levels of usability and engagement, with students reporting that the toolkit was easy to navigate (4.8/5) and that visualizations were particularly helpful for understanding abstract quantum concepts (4.9/5). Students frequently identified classical–quantum comparisons as key to building intuition and understanding algorithm behavior.

While self-reported understanding of quantum concepts improved, responses suggest that deeper conceptual challenges remain, particularly in reasoning about quantum operations and implementation. These findings indicate that grounding quantum computing instruction in familiar classical frameworks can improve accessibility and engagement while highlighting areas for further instructional refinement.

Keywords:

Quantum computing education, computer science education, quantum Fourier transform, interactive learning, undergraduate education.