By Jonah Grinkewitz
Quantum computing is a challenging subject. However, students at Old Dominion University now have access to a unique artificial intelligence (AI) quantum computing tutor that helps them find answers independently, while keeping their professor informed of any areas where they might be struggling.
This innovative learning tool was supported by Old Dominion University's MonarchSphere Powered by Google Cloud, the nation's first AI incubator for higher education. Unlike traditional AI tools, it doesn't just provide quick answers. Instead, this specific quantum computing AI tutor facilitates continual learning.
Nikos Chrisochoides, Ph.D., Richard T. Cheng Endowed Chair and professor of computer science at Old Dominion University, developed the system with Iizalaarab “Izzy” Elhaimeur, a Ph.D. candidate in computer science from Hampton, Virginia.
Dr. Chrisochoides is testing the tool in one of his advanced quantum computing courses. Before students come to class, they use it to learn the material through a virtual lesson and a real-time chat feature. If a student has a question, the chat will guide them through finding the answer.
“If I were a student, I would be exhilarated, because then I’d have someone 24/7 to help me with almost everything that I need,” said Dr. Chrisochoides.
He said the system includes “guardrails,” which recognize where a student is with their coursework, keeping them from wandering into course concepts they are not ready for and redirecting them to the task they are working on.
It also allows him to see where students are struggling or what questions they have before they come to class.
“So, when I go to class, I am ready as if I’m reading their minds,” he said. “Rather than figure it out in the process, I go right where the problems are.”
By cutting down on the time needed to grasp quantum computing concepts, Dr. Chrisochoides and his students can go deeper in the classroom and apply their knowledge to research questions.
“Quantum computing is hard, and every student comes in with a different background,” Izzy said. “This system meets them where they are and gives professors visibility into where the class is struggling.”
The quantum computing tool also gathers learning analytics on its interactions with students, which helps improve and better serve students going forward.
Dr. Chrisochoides and Izzy published their research on the tool in Spring 2025, which was accepted and presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)’s International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering this past August. They are continuing to develop it with a goal of expanding it to other subjects and scaling it for quantum computing workforce development.
“My hope is that we can expand it to more courses and lower the barrier for students to tackle subjects they might otherwise avoid,” Izzy said.
The quantum computing tool is an example of how the MonarchSphere – and Old Dominion University’s partnership with Google – uniquely positions the University as a national leader in AI innovation and serves as a model for how universities across the nation can prepare students, equip faculty with the latest technological tools and support communities for a digital future.
When it comes to higher education more broadly, Dr. Chrisochoides said the AI quantum computing tutor has the potential to empower students, make professors more effective and help AI content developers improve their materials through the data the tool collects.