Pearson, the education giant, is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance learning through its Pearson+ software. This innovative platform utilizes a chatbot powered by ChatGPT, which is owned by Microsoft. Tony Prentice, Chief Product Officer at Pearson, revealed that while the company has its own machine learning team, they rely on ChatGPT for the software’s operation, which is facilitated by Microsoft servers.
Prentice clarified that the data inputted by students into the chatbots will not be used to train future models. This ensures student privacy and data protection. However, Pearson has developed other AI tools internally, including Faethm, an AI-based solution to assist businesses in making informed workforce decisions, and the Pearson Test of English, which employs AI models to score written and verbal responses.
CEO Andy Bird stated that numerous AI businesses have expressed interest in using Pearson’s educational content to train their language models. Bird, however, has been cautious in considering these offers, emphasizing the need for thoughtful evaluation to ensure alignment and mutual benefits. He believes that being the first to announce a deal should not be the primary focus, given the fast-paced nature of the industry.
Bird acknowledged the advancements made by Pearson in its in-house AI technology. Nevertheless, he cautioned about the challenges of bringing new AI products to market, including the issue of hallucinations. Hallucinations refer to AI’s tendency to generate plausible-sounding but inaccurate information, making accuracy maintenance a crucial challenge.
Despite the obstacles, Pearson reported pre-tax profits for the first half of the year that exceeded expectations, thanks to a significant increase in subscribers to Pearson+. However, Bird noted that the full-year guidance would not be revised immediately to maintain flexibility.
A spokesperson for Pearson highlighted that the company’s focus is on building tools that genuinely aid student learning. Alongside lesson summaries, the tools generate practice questions based on the Pearson content students are studying. Particularly in complex subjects like the sciences, these tools provide prompts to help students work through challenging problems and equations, fostering understanding and knowledge retention.
As Pearson continues to prioritize the development of advanced AI tools, the company remains committed to enhancing the learning experience for students while ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the technology. With the increasing demand for AI-powered solutions in education, Pearson’s commitment to innovation positions it as a leading player in the industry.
Disclaimer: This article presents a balanced view of Pearson’s adoption of AI technology. It reflects the statements made by Pearson’s Chief Product Officer and CEO and highlights the company’s focus on student learning and technological advancements. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.
