The X-Challenges

# 1

AI-Powered Learning Infrastructure with Interfaces: Establish a decentralized generative authentic learning digital infrastructure which interfaces with teaching and learning to provide authentic and innovative learning experiences.

# 2

Transformation in Education: Shift the education landscape from manual labor to human domination that is powered by AI, thereby redefining learning, teacher, and the role of the school.

# 3

Empowering Young Minds: Unlock the potential of diverse youth, enabling them to develop new capabilities and lead in this transformative era by acquiring insights and knowledge that exceed those of individuals twice their age.

# 4

Contemporary ‘Age of Exploration’: Envision this transformative era as an ‘Age of Exploration and Innovation,’ that develops untapped individual capabilities and paves the way to reshaping the future of human civilization.

The X-Challenges is a joint effort by LearningMate Inc., co-founded by Dr. Guoli Liang and Dr. Paolo Pirjanian in 2023, and the non-profit organization Global Educational Community, co-founded by Dr. Guoli Liang and Dr. Ann Lieberman in 2014, with Ms. Faye Snodgress as the current CEO.


Guoli Liang, Ed.D.

Dr. Guoli Liang co-founded Global Educational Community with Dr. Ann Lieberman in 2014 and LearningMate in 2023. As a pioneer, he advocates future-ready school approaches. Since 2012, Dr. Liang serves as Chief Architect, overseeing innovative solutions, including architectural design, school management, technology, curriculum, teacher and student development, assessments, school climate and ecosystem, and community engagement. He originated “authentic learning,” “learning relationships,” and “neighbors’ kids.” With 18 years of faculty of pedagogy experience at the University of Wisconsin and 7 years of K-12 teaching and teacher training, he co-initiate the X-Challenges.


Dr. Paolo Pirjanian

Dr. Paolo Pirjanian is the co-founder and co-CEO of LearningMate Inc. With over 16 years of expertise in consumer robotics, he previously held the role of Chief Technology Officer at iRobot. Dr. Pirjanian’s career encompasses positions at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and leadership roles in renowned companies like iRobot and Evolution Robotics. In 2016, he founded Embodied, Inc., with a vision to create socially and emotionally intelligent digital companions. Time magazine acknowledged Embodied Moxie, one of their inventions, as one of the “100 Best Inventions of 2020.” These digital companions aim to enhance individuals’ lives by providing support in daily activities, focusing on care and wellness.


Faye Snodgress

Ms. Snodgress currently holds the position of CEO at Global Educational Community since 2021. Prior to this role, she served as the Executive Director of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education for 13 years. Additionally, Ms. Snodgress dedicated 4 years to her role as an Expert Advisor and Chair of the Expert Committee at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Institute for Education for Sustainable Development. She remains actively involved in various committees for different organizations and serves as the Altrusa International Representative to the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), Civil Society Unit/NGO.

Dual Structure

We understand that the X-Challenges require a league approach, involving multiple teams, to bring it to fruition. Therefore, this dual structure is a starting point, a preliminary draft to kick off the process.

1) Responsible Leadership by LearningMate Inc.

LearningMate Inc. takes the lead in constructing the infrastructure and interfaces for teaching and learning, with a steadfast focus on innovation and the pursuit of excellence in the X-Challenge solution.

 

2) Supervised and Balanced by the Non-profit Organization GEC

GEC champions the transformation of schools and oversees the management of digital assets for learners, families, teachers, and schools. As the representative body for students, families, teachers, and schools, GEC plays a pivotal role in supervising, scrutinizing, and balancing the initiatives of the X-Challenge. This oversight ensures the creation of a sustainable and equitable educational landscape.

3) This dual structure, consisting of LearningMate Inc. and GEC, guarantees a harmonious and efficient approach to realizing our shared vision for the X-Challenge in education.

The structure, which incorporates LearningMate Inc. as a for-profit entity and GEC as a non-profit organization, with the aim of mutual checks and balances, is well-positioned to advance the sustainability and accountability of your educational endeavors. It facilitates innovation and excellence on the for-profit side while safeguarding the interests of students, families, teachers, and schools through the non-profit arm.

However, the long-term success and resilience of this structure hinge on several factors, including the depth of collaboration between the two organizations, their unwavering commitment to the shared educational vision, and their adaptability to evolving educational requirements and technologies. The active engagement and support of stakeholders, encompassing students, families, teachers, and schools, will also be instrumental.

Routine assessments and adjustments in the partnership between LearningMate Inc. and GEC will be critical to ensure that the structure continues to align with its intended objectives and remains effective in the ever-evolving realm of education.