Pearson’s aim is to provide students with effective and engaging learning experiences that help them achieve the best possible grades. As a beta version of our AI-powered study tools is now included in three US editions of Pearson+ eTextbooks and one Mastering course, we’re diving into the research behind our new offerings.
We’re listening to students
We regularly sit down with students to get their views and opinions on learning. It’s how we shape so many of our products. With generative AI (GAI) transforming ways of working in so many industries, we wanted to find out how US college students are feeling about this new technology. How are they using it for assignments? What are their concerns? How would they like to see it evolve in the future? Here are 5 things we found out:
1. GAI makes you more efficient with your time
Students are pushed for time, so GAI is a great way to quickly summarise topics or texts. It frees up time to be creative in how they apply that learning. It's like having a better version of a search engine.
2. It’s a useful brainstorming tool
GAI is great for brainstorming and giving you a helpful starting point. A student at Western Kentucky University told us: “I’m a Marketing major, so I have to come up with campaigns and slogans. When I’m in a rut and I know what I want to say but not exactly how to say it, I use generative AI to get me started. I can pick and choose what parts I like from its suggestions, and tailor it to my own voice.”
3. Students want a frictionless experience
Students are used to seamless digital experiences in the apps and tech they use every day. Learning is no different. They want refined, accurate, and personalised learning solutions all in one place.
4. They have concerns around cheating and critical thinking
Students are concerned that they will be accused of cheating, or that their critical thinking skills might suffer if they become overly dependent on technology. They want to actually learn their course materials so they can achieve success in their exams and apply this knowledge in the future, not just get quick-fix answers.
5. They have concerns about accuracy
Large Language Models (LLMs) trained on the open web can produce hallucinations, inaccuracies and things that are plainly untrue. One senior year student said: “My main concern is getting wrong information from it, which would lead to incorrect thinking in the future.”
What Pearson is doing about it
Pearson’s product and engineering teams are listening to what students have to say on these issues, and are creating AI-powered features that address them. This is not about giving students easy answers. It’s about helping students fully master their subjects and earn higher grades using a combination of Pearson’s deep expertise in learning science, our proprietary intellectual property, and AI technology. This fall, students using US editions of three Pearson+ eTextbooks and one Mastering course will have access to a beta version of exciting new tools, enabling them to:
- Be more time-efficient by summarising learning materials into bitesize chunks and allowing them to create flash cards to study from.
- Think critically by engaging in conversation about the problem they are trying to solve. We know people learn best when they can progressively develop knowledge – our step-by-step homework help guides students to the correct answer.
- Learn seamlessly through having the tools and help they need right inside Pearson products. We know people learn best when they are given clear feedback, so our tools give immediate, descriptive feedback and take a supportive, informative tone. This means students receive feedback and support without having to leave Pearson’s learning environment.
- Trust that the information they are getting is based on Pearson’s intellectual property, which is reliable, accurate, relevant to their course, reflects the diversity of learners, and meets quality content standards.
We’re learning too
It’s early days for GAI technology and we're continually learning and iterating. As our beta testers provide feedback, we’ll refine and improve the tools. Higher Ed Product Manager, Emily Ockay, explains: “The things we’ll learn as we test this first group of features – along with the feedback we will get from users – will enable our team to improve our AI learning tools.”