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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/

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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: 

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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

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Kyle Wagner is the founder and  [Co] Learning Experience Designer for Transform Educational Consulting Limited, an organization that empowers forward thinking schools and educators to create globally, socially and emotionally aware citizens through project-based experiences and 12 shifts for student-centred environments. 

Kyle fell in love with project-based learning as a teacher atHigh Tech High, where he witnessed students publish best-selling books, create their own social enterprises, and even influence policy change through real- world projects. 

He has taken this passion global, founding innovative micro-schools, authoring 2 books – ‘Where is the Teacher’ to be released in August and ‘Power of Simple,’ and helping over 1,000 educators develop 1000 + transformative learning experiences and the student-centered environments to support them.

 Kyle holds a M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership with a thesis that focuses on developing democratic classrooms and distributed leadership models. 

When not writing or teaching, he is performing with his original band, participating in karaoke contests and traveling the world with his partner. He currently resides in Hong Kong where he spends time developing learner-centred schools of the future while helping other school leaders build theirs. 

Since we spoke last year, he started setting up the International Montessori Middle School in Hong Kong. 

Web:

Book: Kyle Wagner: Where is the Teacher?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwagssd3/

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In this episode of unboxED, we meet Tim Nedrup, also known as Tim Timmey — an artist from Höganäs whose work stretches across graffiti, ceramics, public murals, and design. His pieces are playful, bold, and often unexpected — and they invite people to stop, look, and feel something real.

Tim talks about how he found his voice through street art, what it means to create in public spaces, and why staying curious and hands-on matters. While he's not a teacher, his work has a lot to say to those of us rethinking what learning looks like.

Together, we explore:

• How creative expression can reframe what “school” looks like today
• The role of art in developing voice, agency, and belonging among young people
• Tim’s collaborations with schools, cities, and global companies — and what educators can learn from them
• Why play, risk, and color matter more than ever in the learning landscape

For educators and leaders exploring new ways of doing school, Tim’s approach to creativity, risk-taking, and connection offers fresh inspiration. His projects show how art can help people engage, reflect, and build something together — inside or outside the classroom.— this conversation is a bold reminder that art is not extra. It’s essential.

Web:

Linkedin

Instagram

Tim Nedrup Websida

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The Magic of Music - Per Kincaid, Composer / arranger, performer, producer, instuctor.

We loved the conversation with our dear colleague Per. Here are two things he said that captures very much how he looks at learning and development, the human experience: 

✨We should allow young people to just be human beings and explore things!

✨Everything has got to be felt somehow.

Per  is half-English, half-Danish and is from London, UK. He is a musician and music educator who has worked with spreading the joys of musical creativity and practice for more than 30 years at every level from Primary schools to Conservatoires. 

Per benefits from his experience as professional performer, writer/composer and producer in helping to empower and encourage young creatives -often those for whom education just ”doesn’t work. 

From an early age he studied different types of music , both in England and in Denmark, with people like concert pianists to bass legends.  He has an impressive CV including studies such as: 

-Rytmisk Musikkonservatorium, Copenhagen, Denmark

-Escuela Nacional de Arte, La Habana, Cuba

-University of Bristol, BA ( Hons) in Music, England

-Royal College of Music ( Piano, flute, orchestra, theory, history ) , London, England

-Copenhagen Univeristy ( Language and Literature), Denmark

As if that is not enough he arranged the Temptations’ song “My Girl” for the Danish Queen’s  75th on DR TV live from Århus, a collaboration with Julias Moon, (his son’s then band) -> https://youtu.be/tEgLfuuiFCQ?feature=shared

Per on Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@per.kincaid

Per on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-kincaid-6b031633/

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When Learning is  Meaningful, Applicable and Transformational - Emma van Haneghem Larsson & Lily Lundin

This episode was edited by Emma van Haneghem-Larsson

What makes education truly impactful? Emma and Lily, two driven students from ProCivitas Helsingborg, believe it’s about creating meaningful experiences, applying knowledge in real-world contexts, and fostering personal transformation.

Through their participation in Model UN, they’ve gained invaluable skills:

• Emma developed her abilities as a speaker, embraced adaptability, and found joy in learning through connection and engagement.
• Lily mastered teamwork under pressure, expanded her understanding of global politics, and recognized the power of learning by doing.

Both agree that education  should inspire students to grow, think critically, and actively engage with the world around them. When schools focus on passion-driven teaching and interactive learning, students thrive.

Let’s make education a space where transformation happens. Because if it’s not meaningful, applicable, or transformative—then what is it?

BIOS

Get to know Emma and Lily here.

Emma is a 17-year-old student at ProCivitas, Helsingborg  with a passion for people, behavior, and how communities shape well-being. Having lived in multiple countries and speaking four languages, she thrives in diverse environments and value connection.

Through two Model UN experiences at the International Social Science program at Procivitas, she learned a lot about herself: her strengths as a speaker, her ability to prepare for unknown situations, and how the UN actually operates. She loves effective communication that brings people together, and her international background has made her open-minded and adaptable. Because of this, she believes schools should be places where students actually enjoy learning. When education is engaging through passionate teachers, fun activities, and a vibrant school environment; it creates a space where students actually want to be involved and grow.

In the future, she sees herself living in a caring and warm community, maybe somewhere in the Mediterranean, studying human behavior and spending time with the people she loves.

Linkedin: Emma van Haneghem Larsson 

SoMe: emmavanhaneghem (instagram)

Lily is a 18-year-old student at ProCivitas. She loves to learn about history, different cultures and societies and world politics. 

Through two Model UN experiences at the International Social Science  program at Procivitas, she has widened her perspective of how UN operates and what interests countries might have in their politics. She has also learned to work under pressure and with short deadlines in a team. It is a very challenging process, but very rewarding afterwards, both academically and personally, she says. She believe that this is a great way to engage students and encourage “learn by doing”. 

In the future, she hopes to work with something she loves and where she is in some way contributing to society and people’s life conditions. Right now, she is mainly thinking about becoming a teacher or work with human rights in some way. 

LinkedIn: Lily Lundin

SoMe: lilylundin (instagram)

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Abbas Sbeity (b. 1991, Lebanon) is a designer, curator, and cultural manager based in Helsingborg, Sweden. 

He leads Creative Insights Studio, offering design and research consultancies for the public sector and development agencies, and runs his curatorial practice through his newly founded organization, Kulturrummet, focusing on site-specific, community-driven projects.

His work often engages local communities through participatory and co-creation processes, using ethnographic, phenomenological, and critical mapping approaches to explore social, political, and urban issues.

Abbas teaches Design Theory and Management at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (Lebanon) and is a guest lecturer in the Embedded Design program at HDK-Valand, Gothenburg University (Sweden). 

His extensive cultural management experience includes leading learning projects and grant schemes for artists, journalists, and cultural practitioners across the MENA region.

He holds an MA in Design from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts and a BA in Architecture from the Lebanese University. Abbas is the founder of Architects for Change (2014-2019) and a member of the MENA Design Research Center, where he managed and programmed four editions of Beirut Design Week (2015-2019).

Get in contact with Abbas: 

Abbas Sbeity - Linkedin  

www.abbassbeity.com

www.creativeinsights.studio

www.kulturrummet.org 

Helsingborg, Sweden 

T/ +46 70 147 00 91

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Tanya Sheckley embodies what it means to be a "rebel educator"—someone who looks at traditional systems, identifies what isn't working, and takes bold action to create something better. As founder and president of California's Up Academy, she's built an educational model that truly embraces diverse learners through project-based approaches and mixed-age learning communities.

Her journey began with deeply personal motivation. When her daughter, born with cerebral palsy, needed an education that would honor her intelligence while accommodating her physical needs, Tanya found existing options inadequate. This sparked the creation of Up Academy—though tragically, her daughter passed away before the school opened its doors. Through profound grief, Tanya persevered, eventually launching a school that now serves as a model for inclusive education.

What makes Up Academy distinctive? Small class sizes foster genuine relationships between students and multiple trusted adults. Mixed-age groupings create natural opportunities for differentiation and peer mentoring. And perhaps most remarkably, the school fully embraces failure as learning through weekly "fail-abrations" where students proudly share mistakes and what they learned from them.

Tanya's latest innovation is the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum, designed to integrate project-based learning with literacy skills, creating cohesive learning experiences where reading, writing, and hands-on projects reinforce each other. This solves the common teacher dilemma of "finding time" for projects by weaving them into existing literacy blocks.

Whether you're an educator seeking practical strategies for inclusion, a school leader questioning outdated systems, or simply someone who believes in education's transformative potential, Tanya's vision of creating "a generation of learners who see all things as possible and all people as capable" will inspire you to become a rebel in your own context. Listen, learn, and join the educational revolution!

You can find Tanya here: 

projectup.us

tanyasheckley.com

upacademysf.com

rebeleducator.com

Tanya Sheckley, Founder

650-796-3848

UP Academy - Where Curiosity Thrives

Open an UP Academy

Book me for speaking events

Projects and Professional Learning

"Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world...."

— Malala Yousafzai

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Adebayo Alomaja

Chief Learning Designer @Eazy-Digi | International educator | Education futurist | Board Member | Speaker | "On a mission to convert 100k African teachers to Authentic Learning Designers by 2030"

Web: https://eazydigi.net/courses-for-education-leaders-and-professionals/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alomaja-adebayo/

Adebayo Alomaja, in his words, an African (from Nigeria) by birth but a global citizen by tech. 

He leads an education consulting firm (Eazy-Digi) in Nigeria that uses research, technology and networking to transform education in Africa, one teacher at a time with "DESIGN THINKING" as the foundation. Eazy-Digi utilizes research and evidence-based models to help k-12 schools to move from a traditional and exam-pull system to a more authentic and skill-based system which is future-led by design, agile and capable of addressing the "Skills Gap" on the African continent. 

Eazy-Digi is on a mission to convert 100k teachers in Africa to authentic learning designers by 2030. They are doing this through our courses (self-paced and instructor-led), webinars and on-site training. 

In Africa, our advantage is our young people because we are the youngest continent but our disadvantage is "how we educate our young people", Adebayo says. So we train teachers to teach "Skills" and not "Subjects and topics in isolation".