Key Takeaways
• Dr. Joleen Liang of Squirrel Ai emphasized AI’s role in stimulating deeper cognition, not replacing human thought.
• The company’s adaptive learning model leverages 117 patented technologies and real-time student interaction.
• Squirrel Ai has supported over 24 million students and collected nearly 10 billion data points to enhance personalization.
• Recognized on the 2025 GSV 150 list, Squirrel Ai was honored for transformational growth in digital education.
At the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit, a premier global forum on educational innovation, Dr. Joleen Liang, co-founder of Squirrel Ai Learning, joined a panel of education leaders to discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence in fostering student cognition.
The session, titled “Cultivating Critical Thinking in the Age of AI Tutors,” featured representatives from Khan Academy and SchoolAI.
Dr. Liang’s remarks drew significant attention for challenging common misconceptions about AI in education.
Summit Spotlight: A Hub for Global Learning Innovation
Hosted at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, the ASU+GSV Summit—co-organized by Arizona State University and Global Silicon Valley—gathered more than 7,000 educators, innovators, and investors. The 2025 theme, “Learning at the Speed of Light,” underscored the rapid transformation in education through technology.
The event also welcomed influential voices such as Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, and Prof. Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera.
A Deep Dive into Squirrel Ai’s Adaptive Learning Technology
Squirrel Ai’s core innovation lies in its Large Adaptive Model (LAM)—a multimodal system designed specifically for education. Rather than functioning as a static tutor, LAM dynamically adapts to each learner’s process by analyzing how they solve problems.
• The model utilizes 117 patented technologies, including root-cause analysis and fine-grained knowledge decomposition.
• It engages students through voice and text, prompting deeper inquiry using Socratic questioning.
• The system offers personalized guidance that evolves in real time based on learner behavior.
Dr. Liang illustrated this approach with a signature example from the platform:
This question, embedded in the AI’s instructional flow, encourages students to re-evaluate their logic and deepen conceptual understanding—hallmarks of critical thinking.
Cognitive Empowerment Through the MCM Model
Beyond its AI engine, Squirrel Ai also applies a structured learning framework called MCM (Model of thinking, Capacity, Method). This model supports cognitive skill development by helping learners recognize and strengthen their own thought processes.
The statement reflects the company’s belief that AI should not be an intellectual crutch but a catalyst for lifelong learning agility.
Massive Reach and Data-Driven Refinement
The platform’s widespread adoption and continuous feedback loop underpin its credibility and effectiveness:
• Squirrel Ai has over 3,000 physical learning centers across China.
• It partners with more than 60,000 public schools.
• The system has supported over 24 million students and collected nearly 10 billion behavioral data points.
This expansive dataset enables highly personalized and evidence-informed educational interventions.
Moreover, Squirrel Ai channels 30% of its annual revenue into research and development, reflecting a strong commitment to both innovation and academic rigor.
The company’s R&D teams include international AI scientists and education experts, with collaborations across leading universities and research institutes.
Recognition for Transformative Impact
At the summit, Squirrel Ai earned notable industry accolades, including a place on the 2025 GSV 150 list, which highlights the most promising venture-backed education companies globally.
It also received the “Most Transformational Growth Companies in Digital Learning and Workforce Skills” award.
Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Michael Horn cited the platform as a model example in his courses, acknowledging its enduring contributions to AI-based education.
As educational institutions worldwide consider integrating AI into classrooms, Dr. Liang’s position at ASU+GSV reinforces a crucial principle: technology must remain a partner—not a substitute—for human cognition.
With a strong foundation in research, an expansive user base, and a human-centered vision, Squirrel Ai continues to redefine how AI supports critical thinking in modern education.
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