The Need to Balance the Blend: Online versus Face-to-Face Teaching in an Introductory Accounting Subject

To remain globally competitive, there is increasing pressure for universities to incorporate a

greater use of technology and innovation into their curriculum. In response, many higher education

institutions have adopted a blended learning approach, which combines traditional face-toface

delivery with online teaching resources, to deliver course content. This paper documents the

implementation of online resources in a first-year accounting unit, outlines subsequent changes

and monitors its impact on learning outcomes. Whilst in its early stages, this preliminary work on

action research will form the basis of determining an optimal blend of traditional and online

learning environments for introductory accounting students. This research will endeavour to improve

the structure of the curriculum and to positively impact on student learning outcomes.