As the new academic year approaches, Pearson Plc, a prominent education publisher, is set to introduce advanced generative artificial intelligence study tools to enhance its online higher education platform. The move aims to address investor concerns over the impact of AI on digital education services.

The ChatGPT-style tools will offer real-time personalised support to students on select titles available on Pearson’s online textbook and assessment platforms, namely Pearson+ and Mastering. CEO Andy Bird emphasised that Pearson is still in the early stages of its generative AI development but believes it to be a substantial long-term benefit for the company.

The decision to integrate AI tools came after a warning from rival company Chegg Inc., which cautioned against AI chatbots posing a threat to their homework-help services, leading to a dip in industry share prices. In May, Pearson unveiled its plans to incorporate AI capabilities to counter such challenges, which initially resulted in a 15% decline in its shares. However, the company managed to recover some of the losses in subsequent days.

Andy Bird assured that the new AI tools would not offer students a mere shortcut to answers. Instead, they would enrich the learning experience by leveraging AI capabilities alongside Pearson’s exclusive intellectual property and data sets. Among the tools introduced is the “On a Tight Schedule” feature, which utilises AI to summarise key points from learning videos for time-pressed students. Additionally, the Chief Product Officer, Tony Prentice, highlighted an AI-assisted learning tool designed to guide students through complex problem-solving by generating relevant questions that lead to the right answer.

Pearson emphasised that integrating its intellectual property with the AI chatbot would enable students to transition smoothly between e-text and AI assistance. By blending the two seamlessly, students can access a broader range of learning resources and improve their overall comprehension.

In response to the announcement, Pearson’s share prices exhibited slight fluctuations in London trading, rising up to 4% before settling at little change. So far this year, the company’s stock has experienced a decline of 6.8%.

As Pearson takes this progressive step towards leveraging AI technology, students can look forward to a more personalised and efficient learning experience, while the company strives to maintain its position as a leader in the education sector.