Use of OER and Interactive Online Learning in an Introductory Financial Accounting MOOC

Abstract

PCF10 Sub-theme: Inspiring Innovations // The paper describes the development process, present status, and research plans for Introductory Financial Accounting, a free MOOC (Massively Open Online Course). The course is built in D2L Brightspace and was launched in September 2021. It is a means to reduce educational costs and encourage more students to consider the institution’s Bachelor of Commerce program. The project will allow students to explore the field of accounting without pressure or financial risk, and at their own pace. The instructional material used is an open educational resource, Introduction to Financial Accounting (Based on International Financial Reporting Standards). Learning material for each unit is integrated with sophisticated interactive online exercises and tailored feedback. There are also auto-graded quizzes at the end of each of five modules that can be attempted as often as desired. Learners can review material and receive feedback in a non-threatening learning environment. Discussion forums are available for student-student interactions. These are also monitored on a volunteer basis by an academic expert. A frequently-asked question database is being expanded as the project proceeds. A total of five badges are awarded as material is completed. Progress is automatically tracked, and milestones are communicated via intelligent agents as emails to individual participants. When learners have completed at least 75% of the material, they are automatically notified. A student can then purchase a $160 certificate of completion and if desired, attempt an online invigilated exam. If the exam is successfully completed, the learner can receive transfer credit for ACCT 253: Introductory Financial Accounting. This is a required 3-credit course in Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Commerce program. A research program studying correlating relative success and persistence with social presence in three different types of discussion forums is also outlined. // Paper ID 2420