Send us Fan Mail

What if we approached our lives the same way we approach great learning projects; with curiosity, reflection, and the courage to redesign?

In this episode of unboxED, we welcome Loni Bergqvist, an educational innovator who has spent more than a decade helping schools transform learning through Project-Based Learning (PBL). She spent a sabbatical year reflecting on her new direction and has recently launched her PBL-Drawer.

Having worked with leading organisations including High Tech High (USA), Innovation Unit (UK), Kata Foundation (Denmark), and Imagine If (Denmark), Loni brings a unique international perspective on how meaningful learning can shape both schools and society.

Rather than talking only about education, our conversation explores three interconnected themes: redesigning ourselves, redesigning education, and redesigning meaning.

Redesigning Yourself

We begin with a reflective question:

If your life were a project exhibition, what would be hanging on the walls right now?

Loni shares her own journey through unexpected career turns, moments of uncertainty, and the decisions that shaped her path. We explore what happens when life doesn't follow a carefully designed plan, why taking a different route can become our greatest teacher, and how embracing uncertainty can open doors to growth and purpose.

This part of the conversation is an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own turning points, the projects that have shaped them, and the stories they are still writing.

Redesigning Education

Project-Based Learning is often described as a teaching method, but Loni argues that it is much more than that. It is a way of reimagining school itself.

We discuss the principles behind PBL and the growing movement towards place-based learning in Denmark. Together we explore questions such as:

• What makes learning truly transformational?
• Why do authentic projects create deeper engagement?
• What aspects of education are impossible to measure, yet matter the most?
• How can schools become places where young people contribute to their communities rather than simply prepare for the future?

The conversation highlights how meaningful learning emerges when students work on real challenges, collaborate with others, and see themselves as capable of creating positive change.

Redesigning Meaning

Our final theme moves beyond schools and into society.

In a time marked by increasing polarisation, rapid change, and uncertainty, how do we create lives filled with meaning? What role do relationships, belonging, and community play in learning? And what can education contribute to a more compassionate and connected society?

Together we reflect on humanity, purpose, and the importance of designing learning experiences that help people not only succeed, but also flourish.

Why This Conversation Matters

Loni reminds us that project-based learning is ultimately about much more than projects. It is about developing the agency to redesign our lives, our schools, and our communities.

Whether you're an educator, leader, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode offers thoughtful reflections on how curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful work can become powerful forces for personal and societal transformation.

Connect with Loni:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonibergqvist/

Send us Fan Mail

AI, Innovation & Human Connection with Ilse De Jong, PhD in Innovation.

In this inspirational episode of unboxED, we explore the intersection of AI, innovation, and education with Dr. Ilse De Jong — educator, researcher, and AI advocate with a background in human behavior and organizational development.

Ilse shares how AI can be a force for good, amplifying the capacity to teach, learn, and connect in ways previously unimaginable.

In education, AI’s real power lies in its potential to support—not replace—humans, and to create more personalized, responsive systems. Ilse compares ChatGPT to a “stable friend,” always available, helping people navigate challenges, especially in times of stress or disconnection.

A central theme in the episode is educational transformation. Ilse argues that AI learning and teaching should not be siloed in IT departments, but rather embraced across the whole school ecosystem. “AI isn’t IT,” she says — it’s a new language, especially for digital natives who grew up with iPhones and social media.

But the irony is clear: while Gen Z understands AI intuitively, they’re not in decision-making roles. Leadership still rests with Gen X and Boomers, who often lag in adoption and understanding.

Ilse encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, where educators and AI experts co-create solutions. She envisions a near future where AI lightens the load for teachers, especially by supporting differentiated learning, reducing administrative tasks, and unlocking student potential through individualized learning profiles. The goal is not to replace human connection but to deepen it.

The conversation touches on the ethics and risks of AI — from “hallucinations” and bias to the dangers of misuse in grading or decision-making. Yet Ilse remains optimistic. She stresses that innovation in education shouldn’t mean unlearning the past, but rather overriding outdated habits with better ones. Change may come slowly through large institutions, but it can start fast in micro-schools, pilot projects, and courageous conversations — like this one.

In her final encouragement, Ilse speaks directly to hesitant educators: try it. Don’t fear AI, explore it. “You didn’t understand Google or Facebook either, and yet here you are,” she smiles.

The episode closes with a reminder that the future of learning belongs to the curious, the brave, and those willing to keep unboxing what’s next.

Message from Ilse:

I’m an AI strategist and PhD-level educator with over 14 years of experience designing training and learning programs—especially in highly regulated industries. My work focuses on building innovative, human-centered tools and curricula that enhance performance, support compliance, and accelerate digital transformation in education and beyond.

I’m the founder of Ilspiration and co-founder of AICompliance Hub, where I help organizations adopt AI safely, ethically, and effectively.

If you’re curious about how to unlock the full potential of tools like ChatGPT in your classrooms or teams, check out my ChatGPT Treasure Hunt—an interactive, hands-on approach to AI adoption.

And for those navigating the risks and responsibilities of AI, I also offer a comprehensive AI Compliance Audit to make sure your implementation aligns with best practices and evolving standards.

Let’s explore how AI can elevate learning—responsibly.

Ilse Svensson - de Jong on LinkedIn:

Send us Fan Mail

Bringing Back the Joy of Learning—At Every Stage of Life

www.thejoyoflearning.com

For over 15 years, Georgi Panayotov has been designing and facilitating learning experiences & programs that do more than transfer knowledge—they reawaken curiosity, connection, and purpose. Whether he is working with preschoolers or senior executives, in a classroom or a leadership retreat, one thing remains constant: the spark of joy that emerges when learning feels alive—when it clicks, when it matters, when it moves us.

With experience across cultures and communities—and fluency in German, English, and Spanish—he adapts to each group’s unique rhythm. His role is to meet learners where they are and co-create the conditions for them to grow, thrive, and rediscover the excitement of learning again.

Across all ages and settings, he has come to realise: the true impact of his work lies not just in methods, tools or strategies, but in reigniting the joy of learning—and keeping it glowing.

LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/g-panayotov/

Website: www.thejoyoflearning.co