Digital Workplace Skills: Designing the Integrated Learning of Accounting and Microsoft Excel

Abstract

The ubiquitous use of Microsoft Excel among accountants has resulted in calls for students to become capable in its use to enhance their success when entering the accountancy profession. The objective of this paper is to investigate if, and how, an integrated learning approach can be designed to develop accounting students’ Microsoft Excel skills as part of their learning experience within first-year financial accounting modules. The study deployed a design-based research (DBR) methodology, an emerging approach in accounting education. The study involved 68 first-year accounting undergraduates in the participatory design of a blended learning intervention across three design iterations, including integrated learning of financial accounting and Microsoft Excel. The results demonstrate that perceived Microsoft Excel skill levels among participants improved as a result of the intervention, coupled with an expression of high confidence levels in use of the software. The students valued the authentic learning experience obtained and felt it would benefit them in future employment. The research findings provide guidance to accounting educators wishing to augment their students’ understanding with digital workplace skills and competency.