In the third episode of Tech Shock’s 13th season, Vicki is joined by Dr Max Shotbolt, a Post Doctoral Researcher at the University of Miami whose research into cancer treatments using magnetic nanoparticles led him, by way of some well-placed eavesdropping, into the world of quantum computing.

AI dominates the technology conversation right now, but quantum computing is quietly developing in the background and its implications could be just as significant. Most people have heard of it, but few really understand what it is, how it differs from AI, or what it might mean for their lives. This episode asks those questions plainly: from what quantum computing actually is and where it stands today, to what it means for encryption, drug discovery, and who ends up owning the most powerful tools in the world.

Talking points:

• What is quantum computing, how does it differ from classical computing and AI and where does it actually stand today?
• What are the risks on the horizon from cracking encryption to the concentration of power in the hands of very few companies?
• What reasons are there to be optimistic, such as battery technology and drug discovery?

Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.

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In the second episode of Tech Shock's 13th season, Vicki is joined by returning guest Jonathan Baggaley. CEO of the PSHE Association, Jonathan joins wearing his Fully Human hat: the association's research and development arm. Over the last decade Fully Human has explored how best to support young people in a dynamic world increasingly shaped by technology.

This episode is both practical and philosophical. At the heart of the discussion is a new short film, The Wind of the Song: Treachery of AI, which aims to prompt thought about the effect of interacting with AI that presents itself as human. Against a backdrop of real anxiety among young people about jobs, purpose and the future, Jonathan also offers a concrete picture of what PSHE is doing in classrooms right now.

Talking points:

• What prompted the PSHE Association to make a film about AI and what it means to be human?
• What is the difference between a useful tool and a false relationship and why does Jonathan think that distinction is so important?
• How is the PSHE Association equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to navigate AI and how do we support them through the anxiety about what it means for their future?

Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.

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In the first episode of Tech Shock's 13th season, Vicki is joined by Matt Green, The Rapping Science Teacher. A former teacher, Matt has built a following of millions by making science accessible and exciting to young people through music and social media.

Matt's work is a real-world example of technology doing exactly what it should: reaching young people who might otherwise disengage from education, for free and at scale. Against the backdrop of the social media ban debate, it is also a timely reminder of what is at stake.

Talking points:

• How did Matt go from classroom teacher to online educator with millions of followers? What does his journey tell us about the opportunity technology offers young people?
• What does the social media ban mean for educational creators like Matt? What is lost when young people can no longer stumble across inspiring content by chance and how does Matt intend to respond to the current shifting landscape?
• How do algorithms actually work in practice and what does Matt think parents need to understand about digital literacy and guiding their children online?

Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.

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