Pearson's digital transformation and the disruption of public education
Date
2021
Authors
Hogan, A.
Sellar, S.
Editors
Wylatt-Smith, C.
Lingard, B.
Heck, E.
Lingard, B.
Heck, E.
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Book chapter
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Source details - Title: Digital Disruption in Teaching and Testing: Assessments, Big Data, and the Transformation of Schooling, 2021 / Wylatt-Smith, C., Lingard, B., Heck, E. (ed./s), Ch.6, pp.107-123
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Abstract
This chapter provides a critical analysis of Pearson’s two strategic priorities: (1) growing market share through digital transformation and (2) investing in structural growth markets. Pearson’s corporate strategy is premised upon creating technology-driven disruption to the teaching profession, the delivery of curriculum and assessment, and the function of schools and universities. This strategy is driven by Pearson’s faltering corporate strategy, rather than a coherent set of educational principles, but its pursuit is having an impact in contexts that influence educational policy and practice. Pearson’s vision to develop direct and lifelong relationships with customers, to whom it will provide virtual schooling, professional certifications, assessments, and other digital services, raises concerns about the sustainability of public education globally. These concerns include the privatization of infrastructure and data, the deprofessionalization of teaching, and the shift away from broader social purposes of public education towards individualized learning. In this chapter, we survey recent developments in the global education industry and conduct a scoping review of Pearson’s corporate strategy to answer two questions: (1) What values is Pearson seeking to promote among educational leaders and (2) How does the company’s intervention in contexts of policy influence align with its corporate strategy to increase shareholder value?
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Copyright 2021 Taylor and Francis