Quantum computing was once the sole purview of science fiction writers. Today, however, it’s fast becoming a reality that higher education can get on board with.
Ray Schroeder, Associate Vice Chancellor of Online Learning at the University of Illinois Springfield and Founding Director of the National Council for Online Education, joined the Enrollment Growth University podcast to discuss what the advent of quantum computing means for higher education.
What Is Quantum Computing?
“Shohini Ghose has a quote that I just love,” Ray said. ‘If you’re confused about the quantum computer, don’t worry, that means you’re getting it.”
Even Einstein called quantum computing spooky.
We’re accustomed to computing in binary digits, bits, ones, and zeros. That’s the way in which we do all of our coding and all our computing.
Quantum computing, however, uses cubits, which are quantum bits.
The difference between binary bits and cubits is that cubits can represent one or zero, but they can also can represented as one and zero. In some cases, there can also be a direction or phase quantity added to that.
“So there are multiple states for every cubit,” Ray said, “whereas, for every bit, there’s just a zero or one.
And usually, these are held on photons or electrons or some other subatomic particle or wave.”
You can call them either a wave or a particle because they behave both as waves and as particles.
So with a cubit, we can do much more because we’ve got three or four different representations for every cubit. That allows us to process information much, much faster. In fact, in a quantum computer, works about 10,000 times faster than the standard supercomputer today.
This article appeared on www.helixeducation.com on July 26, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, July 29, 2019
Sharon Graf, UIS ethnomusicology professor
Why you should know her:
Sharon Graf, an associate professor of ethnomusicology at the University of Illinois Springfield, a musician, and a sailor, took a 15-month sea voyage to study the music, culture, and language of the Pacific Islands in 2010. She and her husband sailed there from Alton, Illinois on their 42-foot yacht, the Larabeck.
What is ethnomusicology? “The study of people making music. It encompasses a global perspective, so we look at people making music around the world.” She studied anthropology and music in college.
Why did you go to the Pacific Islands? “I had a very special opportunity because my husband, Michael Graf, wanted to go on a sailing trip. It wouldn’t have been possible without his interest and expertise. I wanted to visit and learn more about the world and other cultures.”
What did you learn about music in these cultures? “People in the Polynesian triangle were pioneers of sailing and populated all these islands, and their languages and musical customs are related. I find that really fascinating. It was interesting to go from island to island, to see the linguistics part of it, the ways their greetings were different but very related. The same with musical customs.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on July 29, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
What is ethnomusicology? “The study of people making music. It encompasses a global perspective, so we look at people making music around the world.” She studied anthropology and music in college.
Why did you go to the Pacific Islands? “I had a very special opportunity because my husband, Michael Graf, wanted to go on a sailing trip. It wouldn’t have been possible without his interest and expertise. I wanted to visit and learn more about the world and other cultures.”
What did you learn about music in these cultures? “People in the Polynesian triangle were pioneers of sailing and populated all these islands, and their languages and musical customs are related. I find that really fascinating. It was interesting to go from island to island, to see the linguistics part of it, the ways their greetings were different but very related. The same with musical customs.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on July 29, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
UIS may soon have a presence on the Y-Block
The University of Illinois Springfield may soon have a presence downtown on the Y-Block.
It's the first move we're seeing there in nearly two years.
They are hoping the university will have a positive impact on the economic development in the community and that by putting a building there, it will look to create a positive impact.
Mayor Jim Langfelder said whatever goes on this land needs to help all of downtown.
"You can't just look at the block itself. It's really, how's that one piece impact other pieces downtown and it all comes down to financial resources and that's one of the key components - what's in the best interest for that area but also how's that a domino impact on the block surrounding it."
UIS also said in its statement that one of its goals, if the building is approved, is to collaborate with community partners, such as the SIU School of Medicine.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on July 24, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
They are hoping the university will have a positive impact on the economic development in the community and that by putting a building there, it will look to create a positive impact.
Mayor Jim Langfelder said whatever goes on this land needs to help all of downtown.
"You can't just look at the block itself. It's really, how's that one piece impact other pieces downtown and it all comes down to financial resources and that's one of the key components - what's in the best interest for that area but also how's that a domino impact on the block surrounding it."
UIS also said in its statement that one of its goals, if the building is approved, is to collaborate with community partners, such as the SIU School of Medicine.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on July 24, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)