We report the results of a study to examine the effectiveness of active versus passive learning methods in the accounting information systems area. Two groups of students completed an assignment under two active learning conditions (individual and cooperative), while a third group covered the same topic in a passive lecture. Our findings indicate support for active learning, measured through student performance on exam questions and student feedback on a questionnaire. However, compared to passive learners, we find significantly improved exam performance only for students who work individually in an active environment. Students in the cooperative active environment posted exam scores that were not statistically different from passive participants' scores. Students in both individual and cooperative active environments reported positive feedback on satisfaction, perceived learning, and effectiveness of the method. We conclude that active learning enhances student outcomes, particularly for those who work individually.
Data Availability: Data are available upon request.
Usage of information systems has moved increasingly from being an optional means of enhancing productivity to a required part of organisational jobs. However, prior research on technology acceptance has largely focused on volitional systems and on individual, rather than organisational factors that could influence technology acceptance and use. As a result, little is known about how management may be able to influence user attitudes toward use of mandatory systems. In this paper, we examine the impact of organisational level influences on individual user attitudes toward system use over time. Our study is set in the context of a major mandatory system implementation at a multi-bank holding company. Our results suggest that subjective norms, top management commitment, and perceived organisational benefits are important to users at different times in the implementation process. Our results also highlight that direct system experience plays a significant role in determining which factors are important and when.
Numerous IT employees will soon be retiring, presenting a serious problem for many IT departments-especially for organizations with complex business practices, legacy systems, or greater proportions of older workers. These organizations are vulnerable to a phenomenon called Y2Gray.
Stacie Petter is an associate professor of information systems and quantitative analysis at theUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha. Her research interests include software project management, knowledge management, information systems success, and research methods. Petter received her PhD in computer information systems from Georgia State University. Contact her at spetter@ unomaha.edu. Kerry Ward is an associate professor of information systems and quantitative analysis at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His research interests include information systems strategy and alignment, knowledge management, and research methods. Ward received his PhD in management information systems from Indiana University. Contact him at kwward@unomaha.edu.
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