Abstract:

Technology plays an increasing role in the accountant’s function. However, continuing advances in technology and the evolving needs of the profession may pose a challenge to future accountants, as the skills desired by the profession and the skills taught in the classroom may not necessarily coordinate. Educators often must adapt their coursework to keep curriculum current and relevant. Experiential or active learning techniques may be useful in the classroom to help bridge the gap between the technology demands of the profession and the skills taught in the classroom. The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, this study asks practitioners to indicate the importance they would attach to students having prior exposure to selected technology applications. The practitioners were also asked to indicate the importance they would attach to various Microsoft Excel features. Second, this study asks educators to specify the methods of classroom coverage of various technologies. Results of practitioner and educator responses are discussed.