Software Development in Accounting Education

The Accountancy profession, like many other disciplines, is being influenced by rapid developments in computer hardware and software. It is, therefore, essential that accountancy students become proficient in the adaptation of information technology techniques to accounting specific applications. To achieve this Computer Aided Learning software has been developed to supplement the traditional teaching approaches of lectures, tutorials and textbooks. The programs are developed to familiarise students with the use of computers and at the same time encourage their enthusiasm to learn by using menu driven programs incorporating graphics, sound, animation and windowing. Special software has also been developed to provide students with practical experience in computerised accounting procedures including the use of macro driven spreadsheets for the preparation of financial statements. This software provides students with a simulation of accounting practices currently in use in the business sector. The logical extension of this was the development of an automated assignment assessment program. Assignments are submitted on floppy disk and are marked automatically by the assessment program.