Learning commercial computerised accounting programmes : Perceptions and motivations

Purpose Practical accountving skills such as the ability to use commercial computerised accounting programmes (CCAP) is increasingly becoming expected of accounting graduates. To understand the impact of CCAP on learning, this paper aims to examine students’ motivations for and perceptions about learning CCAP in two accounting subjects trialled in an Australian university. Design/methodology/approach A survey of students who completed the course was conducted twice, before training and assessment using CCAP and after completing the CCAP-based learning activity and the associated assessment task. Findings The results show that students demonstrate strong positive attitudes towards learning CCAP, and using CCAP elicits active student engagement in the learning processes. The findings also show room for further enhancement of student engagement by integrating CCAP learning tasks with teamwork and developing CCAP-based learning and assessment tasks suitable for higher-order learning outcomes. Research limitations/implications The survey respondents in this study are drawn from only one higher education institution in Australia and are predominantly an international cohort. This makes the conclusions of the study exploratory in nature and thus further studies are needed before generalising the conclusions. Originality/value By providing insights into student motivations to and perceptions about the use of CCAP in accounting curricula, the study sheds light on the potential of CCAP to enhance learning and aspects of consolidating the role of CCAP as a learning tool.