Title: Cultivating spreadsheet usage in a finance subject through learning and assessment innovations

Authors: Bernt Arne Bertheussen

Addresses: School of Business and Economics, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, P.O. Box 6050 Langnes, 9037 Tromsø, Norway

Abstract: This article discusses the advantages and challenges of developing a spreadsheet user-culture in a finance course by implementing learning and assessment innovations. This article also examines whether these innovations contribute to student motivation and the achievement of learning outcomes. In the course design, attempts were made to include spreadsheets as a cultural artefact by embedding its use within all practical activities. According to the 83 participants in the survey, spreadsheet usage in the finance course was both motivating and informative. Particularly, the students appreciated the use of spreadsheets during plenary lectures as well as on the final examination. An implication of this study is that establishing spreadsheet cultures in other accounting subjects may be productive, thus fulfilling both student and industry expectations of candidates having digital literacy once graduated.

Keywords: course evaluation; educational design research; educational innovation; spreadsheet culture; student experience; spreadsheet usage; finance education; assessment; student motivation; learning outcomes; course design; higher education; digital literacy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2015.074698

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2015 Vol.3 No.1, pp.1 - 14

Received: 29 Aug 2014
Accepted: 31 May 2015

Published online: 14 Feb 2016 *

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