Developing mobile game application for introduction to financial accounting

Abstract

The financial accounting subject is one of the core subjects that is essential for any accounting student. However, this subject is perceived as boring and difficult to comprehend particularly for students who lack in the accounting knowledge. The aim of this research paper is to present the adoption of the gamification learning concept in designing and developing a mobile game application to cultivate better understanding in the financial accounting subject. This mobile application was developed for Android operating system and was designed using the modified game methodology. Further, this mobile application was subjected to several testing phases using numerous participants. The results indicate the adoption of gamification has aided the students in understanding the financial accounting subject. Furthermore, the participants also indicated that learning using gamification has encouraged them to think critically which then allowed them to better comprehend the financial accounting subject. The development of this mobile game application also contributes to the gamification literature which is vastly used in learning, and it advantages in improving the understanding of how games can be adopted to foster better understanding in the financial accounting subject.

Using Gamification in Accounting Education: A Systematic Literature Review (2017 – 2023)

“…Increasing students' enjoyment and interest (María Sol Calabor et al, 2018); (Silva et al, 2019); (Ariff et al, 2022) (Authors, 2017) ;…”

Class participation and feedback as enablers of student academic performance

“…Engagement theory (Fredricks et al, 2019) posits that students who are actively involved in their learning and academic activities (e.g., class participation) improve their motivation (Appleton et al, 2008; Wang & Degol, 2014) and are more likely to achieve higher levels of academic performance (Martin et al, 2017). Fostering learning engagement and motivation becomes more relevant in the accounting discipline, which students perceive as difficult (Abbott & Palatnik, 2018; Ariff et al, 2022) and boring (Ariff et al, 2022; Karlsson & Noela, 2022; Malthus & Fowler, 2009). These circumstances reduce students’ motivation.…”