The world's largest education publisher will gradually phase out printed textbooks. Pearson will make all its learning resources "digital first". Pearson's CEO said: "We are now over the digital tipping point." He said over half of annual revenues come from digital sales. He added that as in industries like newspapers or music, "it is time to flick the switch in how we primarily" create products. He is confident and excited about the future.
A big advantage of e-books is they can be updated. This means teachers can access the latest versions. Pearson will end its business model of revising printed course books every three years. This model has dominated the industry for 40 years. The CEO said e-books are a more effective way to learn. He added that e-books appeal to the "Spotify generation". Textbook writers are worried they will earn less as digital products are subscription based.