What if the lessons that look most like play are actually the most serious teaching happening in your school? with Shahneila Saeed

In this episode of the Edufuturists podcast, Ben and Steve sit down with Shahneila Saeed for an extended version of a conversation that began at the Brilliant Festival. They dig into why play-based learning is rigorous pedagogy, how computing can be taught without a single computer, and what the games industry can teach the classroom about preparing young people for the world as it actually is.Shahneila Saeed is Head of Education at Ukie, the trade association for the UK's video games industry, and the founder and director of the Digital Schoolhouse programme. A former IT and computing teacher, she is also the author of How to Raise a Tech Genius.We cover:Why play is serious pedagogy, not a break from real learningHow "Just Dance with the Algorithm" teaches programming concepts through danceTeaching in-game AI with nothing more than a playground and some beach ballsThe classroom with no computers that reshaped Shahneila's entire approachMotivation, failure, and the problem with the GCSE "finish line"Whether schools are really preparing children for the jobs that exist right nowWhat industry actually says about the skills graduates are missingGame IP in the classroom, and how to use it without losing the pedagogyDigital Schoolhouse as a bridge between the games industry and educationHow parents can support computing and tech learning at home, including free resourcesWhether you're a teacher, school leader, edtech professional, or a parent trying to make sense of your child's screen time, this conversation will change how you think about play, computing, and the gap between school and the real world. Expect practical, low-cost ideas you can use on Monday morning, free resources you can access today, and a sharp case for why engagement has to come before assessment.Chapters:00:00 Highlights02:01 Welcome and the new Edufuturists book03:42 From IT teacher to Ukie and Digital Schoolhouse06:02 The classroom with no computers10:36 Why play is serious pedagogy12:56 Just Dance with the Algorithm15:13 Teaching game AI with a game of dodgeball16:24 Motivation, failure and the GCSE "finish line"24:01 Computational thinking at home27:44 Are we preparing kids for jobs that exist now?28:34 What industry really says about graduate skills32:08 What is Game IP and why it works in the classroom36:14 Digital Schoolhouse as a bridge to industry41:10 Parents, tech and the home conversation46:14 Quick-fire questionsThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xBook  a Digital Schoolhouse workshopDigital Schoolhouse free computing resourcesDigital Schoolhouse Playful Computing ConferenceCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGrab your copy of the new Pick 'n' Mix Education book