A technology based solution for the teaching of basic accounting principles

M.Com. (Accounting)Abstract: The use of technology outside of education has emerged as an essential feature of modern life, with its influence shaping individuals, businesses and industries alike. Since the inception of the so-called ‘internet age’, the use of technology has been explored as a platform for knowledge transfer. In the context of formal education, this phenomenon has challenged higher education institutions to enhance their teaching and learning practices by integrating technology into their course offerings. Accounting education, however, has been criticised for lagging behind mainstream educational developments in this area. The aim of this study was to develop and test a solution for integrating technology into education processes for the teaching of basic accounting principles (the Conceptual Framework, Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements, Inventories and Trade Receivables and Trade Payables). A solution was developed that proposes using technology throughout the entire learning cycle of a student, from learning material, primary engagement (in the classroom), secondary engagement (outside the classroom) to assessment. Subsequent to the development of the technology-based solution, it was implemented in a Financial Accounting 1 course, for a period of six months. In this phase the effectiveness of the solution was tested by comparing the results of those who did not use the solution to those students using the solution. Overall, students who used the solution performed better than students who did not use the solution. However with regard to the Trade Receivables and Trade Payables topics an anomaly was identified which led to the conclusion that the greater the frequency of the use of the technology solution the greater the impact on the student results