Pearson and AWS Report 80% Student AI Tool Use, 23% Applied Instruction
PSO•Pearson and AWS found 80% of U.S. students use AI tools while only 23% receive applied instruction and just 12% of employers rate graduates excellent at evaluating AI outputs. The report identifies six barriers in AI readiness and urges embedding AI into curricula and strengthening employer feedback loops.
1. Research Findings Highlight AI Skills Gap
Pearson and AWS surveyed over 500 U.S. learners, employers and higher education leaders, revealing that 69% of employers view AI as essential in university education while 80% of students actively use AI tools. Yet only 23% of students receive hands-on instruction and just 12% of employers rate graduates as excellent at evaluating AI outputs.
2. Introduction of AI Readiness Friction Framework
The report introduces a six-barrier AI Readiness Friction Framework—covering pace, connection, capability, governance, experience and skills friction—to pinpoint breakdowns between learning and workforce application. It recommends embedding AI into projects and internships, strengthening faculty capability and building employer feedback loops to align curricula with real-world needs.
3. Strategic Implications for Pearson’s Education Offerings
By combining Pearson’s expertise in learning design with AWS’s AI deployment know-how, the partnership aims to develop AI-embedded curricula, cloud innovation centers and Skills to Jobs alliances. These initiatives could bolster Pearson’s market position in AI-ready education and drive future service revenues.
