The impact of a quality, technology-enhanced teaching support medium on student success in a first-year financial accounting module at an open distance learning institute

Abstract

In South Africa, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DoHET) has expressed grave concerns about the poor pass rate of first-year accounting students. In an attempt to improve performance, the University of South Africa (Unisa), an open distance learning (ODL) institution, has developed a DVD for the first-year semester module, FAC1502, in financial accounting. This module forms the cornerstone of financial accounting at Unisa and is a prerequisite for all bachelor degrees in commerce and many related courses. FAC1502 has a total annual average registration of 13 000 students. The DVD, a multimedia, technology-enhanced learning support tool, complements flexible teaching and learning and presents a practical workshop for students to study at their own pace and equip them with the necessary basic theory, practical applications and financial accounting skills which underlie further course work.