Accounting Education Through an Online-Supported Virtual Learning Environment

Abstract

A shift in emphasis from teaching to learning in the UK higher education sector has resulted in universities considering more efficient learning and teaching strategies. This has included embracing and adopting new technologies, such as the Internet, as an aid to more effective learning and teaching for the student and the teacher. This strategy has not yet been pedagogically proven, however, it is one that many higher education institutions are currently pursuing, or are seriously considering. This article considers the effectiveness of Web-based learning and teaching on a second year unit of a BA (Hons) Accounting degree, and appraises whether it could provide the appropriate medium to create an efficient and robust learning environment for accounting students. The study was implemented as a result of a successful collaborative bid to the university’s Learning and Teaching Development Fund, which consisted of staff from Academic Services and the School. Changes in the learning styles (Honey and Mumford, 1992) of students were evaluated and it is suggested that an integrated virtual learning environment, as discussed in this article, could engender a move to more autonomous learning by students.