PBL Future Labs
Human Centered, AI-Driven PBL for Today's Learners
Courses, books, and packages for educators, home schools, and diverse students across the globe.
Featured Article
The Unfolding Vision of AI and Project Based Learning
By Thom Markham
The next world is AI-integrated, project-driven, future-focused, and human-inspired.
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Our Mission and Logo…
Manta Rays roam the ocean, sleek, smooth, powerful, social, and highly intelligent. Others perform their ecological duty by saving reefs that protect hundreds of other species.
PBL Future Labs is focused on human-centered, AI-driven project-based learning. Our programs align with Nature at her best. We're creating a more intelligent planet, full of fun, play, and kindness.
Mantas have the strange habit of leaping out of the water, showing their joy. So do we, on occasion. Please join us.
Meet the Founders
The people behind PBL Future Labs
Thom Markham
Co-Founder & Director of Learning Design
The Godfather of PBL. A humanistic psychologist by training and published author, Thom is credited as the originator of high quality, gold standard project based learning. As the primary author of the Handbook on Standards-Focused PBL, published by PBL Works, over 30 years he has reached more than 6,000 teachers worldwide, quietly shaping how an entire generation of educators thinks about deeper learning.
Phillip Alcock
Co-Founder & Director of Emerging Technology
A teacher turned edtech thought leader whose articles and blog posts on AI in education, Claude Projects, Claude Skills, and NotebookLM for project-based micro learning consistently reach over 50,000 impressions each week. With 11,000+ LinkedIn followers, Phillip is a worldwide pioneer in experiential learning and one of the leading voices bridging AI tools with classroom practice.
Our Shared Vision
Phillip and Thom founded PBL Future Labs with a shared conviction: that every learner, especially those whose minds work differently, deserves an education built around curiosity, creativity, and real-world purpose. By combining human-centered design with AI-driven tools, they are creating project-based learning experiences that honor how people actually think and grow. Like the manta ray that inspires their work, they believe in the power of leaping beyond the surface, bringing joy, ecological awareness, and a commitment to a more intelligent, kinder planet.
Our Partners
Schools and institutions bringing PBL Future Labs to their learners
TCES National Online School
United Kingdom
The UK's first DfE-accredited special online school, providing therapeutic education for neurodivergent learners and those with emotionally based school avoidance. Their award-winning LIFE programme builds confidence and resilience through Leadership, Independence, Future options, and Empowerment.
Bloom KKCA Academy
Hong Kong
An innovative bilingual primary school in Hong Kong offering project-based education for Grades 1–6. Founded by educators, entrepreneurs, and engineers, Bloom's "Care, Think, Act" model nurtures holistic development through specialist STEM, innovation, and media spaces.
Choice Charter School
Iowa, USA
A free Iowa public high school for students who can't or won't return to a traditional brick-and-mortar setting. Choice provides flexible, individualised online learning with mentoring, technology, and personalised pacing to help every learner succeed.
Salty Sharks
Australia
An immersive education platform bringing STEM, marine biology, and social-emotional learning to life through virtual worlds for ages 9–16. Certified by Safer Technology 4 Schools and approved for Queensland State Schools, with curriculum aligned to NSW, UK, and US standards.
Windsor School Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas
A three-campus independent day and boarding school in Nassau serving students from 18 months to 18 years. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Windsor offers a Cambridge-rooted curriculum with cutting-edge courses in Marine Science, STEM, Music, and Business.
BeWorldClass
United Kingdom
A digital platform by the World Class Education Network that supports, assesses, and celebrates character and skill development in students. Their framework cultivates resilience, respect, and reflection, preparing young people to thrive in an ever-changing global economy.
Where We've Made an Impact
From keynote stages to strategy rooms, PBL Future Labs works with leading institutions, networks, and edtech pioneers to shape the future of AI-driven, project-based learning.
Keynote Speaking
ISTE + ASCD
Delivered a keynote on human-centered learning at the intersection of curriculum standards and emerging technology.
Beaconhouse
Keynote speaker for Asia's premier school network, exploring AI-integrated, future-ready project-based learning across thousands of classrooms.
Fayetteville State University
Keynote address on innovative, project-based approaches to teaching and learning at this historically Black university advancing equity in education.
Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy
Keynote speaker on project-based learning and AI for community-driven adult literacy and skills development.
Regent Business School
Keynote on technology-enhanced, project-based education for diverse communities in South Africa.
Advisory & Strategy
Stanford University
Invited advisor to the GenAI Accelerator Program, providing expert guidance on integrating project-based learning with AI.
TeachAI
Member of the strategy group helping shape how educators responsibly integrate AI into K–12 classrooms.
TeachCraft
Strategic advisor supporting the development of tools that help educators design rich, engaging project-based experiences.
Guest Faculty & Expert Sessions
Workshops & Webinars
The Circle India
Led a webinar for over 10,000 participants on collaborative, project-driven learning for India's next generation of changemakers.
ED3 DAO
Webinar on the future of open, community-owned, project-based learning in decentralized education.
KidsAI
Delivered sessions on AI through project-based learning for Emirates schools, making AI literacy accessible and purposeful for young learners.
Human Intelligence Movement
Founding member and workshop facilitator, championing the irreplaceable power of human creativity, empathy, and critical thinking in an AI-driven era.
Leadership & Product Roles
Alayna AI
Served as Director of Innovation, building pedagogical AI tools that personalize learning pathways and ignite student curiosity.
MasteryMate
Served as Director of Innovation, developing mastery-based AI tools that ensure every student truly understands before moving forward.