Linda Liukas is a programmer, children’s book author, and the creator of Hello Ruby, a whimsical series that teaches computing concepts through stories and play. She’s also the force behind a one-of-a-kind playground in Helsinki—designed to teach kids how computers work without them ever touching a screen.
In this episode, Linda shares why, especially with the rise of AI and code-writing copilots, we need to rethink the way we teach tech.
Linda, a.k.a. the “Mary Poppins of Computing”, is on a mission to bring more whimsy, creativity, and fearlessness to kids and grown-ups alike. Enjoy this very fun episode!
You’ll learn:
- Why physical play helps us grasp abstract computing concepts
- How software makers can benefit from thinking like educators
- What “unplugged computing” looks like—and why it works
- How to cultivate creativity, curiosity, and fearlessness in tech teams
- Why learning through play isn’t just for kids
- What Linda’s AI experiments with tiny personal datasets reveal about the future of learning
Chapters- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:42) - What it means to be the “Mary Poppins of Computing”
- (02:18) - Designing the Computer Playground
- (05:43) - Why play is an ideal way to teach programming
- (09:26) - Why software organizations should embrace play
- (13:19) - AI and play
- (14:47) - Learn to code vs. learn to program; how to become future-proof
- (21:20) - Hello Ruby: how Linda accidentally became a children’s book author
- (25:35) - Building more playgrounds and more fun ideas on teaching through play
Links & Resources
More on Dan and CRAFTED.
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You know what would be awesome? If we could build the future we want — before we muck it up.
Future Around & Find Out helps builders think clearly about AI and emerging technologies, grapple with the implications, and decide what to build next.
Independent technologist and former NPR journalist Dan Blumberg speaks with founders, makers, and you to celebrate breakthroughs, call BS on the hype, explore how things might go sideways — and how we can steer the future in the right direction.
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