261. Gamifying Life Skills: How CoLab is Transforming Education with Play with Alan Tang

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Alan Tang, co-founder of Collaboration Laboratory (CoLab), an award-winning online program that teaches kids life skills through immersive, game-based learning. CoLab combines elements of Pokemon and Sherlock Holmes, using interactive challenges to help kids develop confidence, leadership, and critical thinking—all while having fun.

Alan shares his unconventional career journey from corporate finance to education and how his experiences led him to create a platform that engages students in authentic learning. CoLab’s global approach fosters collaboration between children from different cultures, allowing them to learn through negotiation, experimentation, and shared problem-solving. The program’s impact isn’t just limited to kids—companies and leadership teams are using CoLab’s methodology to improve teamwork and decision-making.

Tune in to hear how CoLab is redefining education by making learning engaging, accessible, and truly transformative. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or business leader, Alan’s insights will leave you inspired to rethink how we teach and learn.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How CoLab gamifies learning to teach essential life skills.
• The power of engagement-driven education in building problem-solving and leadership abilities.
• The unexpected benefits of game-based learning for corporate teams.
• Creating a global classroom where kids learn through cultural exchange.
• The role of reflection and iteration in fostering real-world skills.
• Expanding access to high-quality education through an inclusive, subsidized model.

Resources:

• Learn more about CoLab: collaborationlaboratory.com
• Connect with Alan on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA