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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 She stresses that innovation in education shouldn’t mean unlearning the past, but rather overriding outdated habits with better ones.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/