Using an intranet to facilitate student-centered learning

Abstract This paper describes the use of computer-aided learning and an intranet in a third year financial statement analysis course in 1996. The course required students to create a substantial report on the financial analysis of an allocated company. A series of small movies of relevant computer skills were used by students over an intranet. These movies replaced the need for tutor based demonstration on these topics. The intranet was also used to supply a wealth of data and information, including financial and share price data, exams, focus questions, lecture notes, and newspaper articles. Students also had access to several mirrored sites on the intranet, including sites of some of the companies under student investigation. This provided students with convenient, fast, no cost access to a wider range of text and graphical information than was previously possible. Discussion groups were also created to allow discussion to occur outside the classroom. Student reaction has been favorable to the use of the Intranet in this course. The paper also briefly outlines how the Web site was created and discusses some of the resource issues.