Pearson Plc, an education publisher, recently announced plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations following a sharp decline in share prices due to fears that AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT would disrupt their business. In a statement released on Tuesday, Pearson CEO Andy Bird stated that the AI would be used across multiple areas such as quizzes, summaries and an AI-powered English language tutor for their Pearson+ subscription service.
The statement came a week after the stock of Chegg Inc., a rival company, sank by nearly fifty percent due to a warning of ChatGPT’s potential threat to Chegg’s online homework help services. In conjunction, Pearson’s stocks had also taken a hit by fifteen percent. Following this statement, the shares of Pearson Plc rose as much as 3.3%.
Andy Bird highlighted that AI technologies offer positives prospects for Pearson due to the trust the learner and educators place on them. He also emphasized the responsibility Pearson has regarding how to apply AI and proceeded by adding the firm’s commitment to progress in the enhancement of their products.
Pearson Plc is one of the world’s largest education companies with nearly 22,500 employees and operations across 80 countries. Their business is centred on providing educational content and resources, both physical and digital, as well as services such as assessment and school curriculum.
Andy Bird is the current Chief Executive Officer of Pearson Plc. before joining Pearson in Jan 2018, he had held various roles in prominent companies such as Disney, L’Oreal, and Pearson Education. He also has great experience in internet technology, human resources and passion for the digital transformation. Bird was instrumental in spearheading the initiatives for a digital transformation and continued success of Pearson.
