Implementing basic e-learning tools into an undergraduate taxation curriculum
Abstract
Purpose
Educators in the accounting discipline are faced with the challenge of finding innovative ways to accommodate the flexible learning styles of Millennial students, using “in classroom/contact time” effectively and decreasing transactional distance between students and educators in large classes. In an attempt to address these challenges, this paper aims to describe the implementation of basic e-learning tools (podcasts, vodcasts and voice-over-PowerPoint) as supplementary and substitutional tools in an undergraduate taxation curriculum. The tools were implemented as part of a student-centred approach to the facilitation of learning, embedded in the Blended Learning Theory. The paper reports on students’ use and experience of various basic e-learning tools, as well as the impact of the use of these tools on student performance.
Design/methodology/approach
An action research methodology was followed, and data were collected by way of a voluntary, descriptive student survey and student class lists. A total of 387 students completed the survey.
Findings
Students appear to have access to devices and data to use e-learning tools. They perceive these tools as helpful study aids and prefer synchronous, substitutional tools. Use of the tools does not have a significant impact on performance; however, it does appear to have a positive impact on the learning environment and student engagement.
Originality/value
The results of the study may be of benefit to educators and curriculum designers who are responsible for reviewing and updating the content delivery methods of undergraduate taxation curricula in large classes with diverse student populations. These results add to the limited body of knowledge on the implementation of basic e-learning tools in a South African accounting education setting.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research was funded by the University of Pretoria, Department of Education Innovation Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Grant. The researchers are grateful to colleagues who have reviewed the project in earlier stages and provided valuable feedback.
Citation
van Oordt, T. and Mulder, I. (2016), "Implementing basic e-learning tools into an undergraduate taxation curriculum", Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 341-367. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-08-2015-0054
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited