ALN/WBI: An Introduction And An Application To The Accounting Information Systems Course

Abstract

ALN (asynchronous learning networks) and WBI (web-based instruction) are mediums for delivering course information over the Internet.  While “course distance learning” has been in place for a number of years, ALN/WBI courses (where an entire course -- lecture notes, tests, homework -- is transmitted through the web) is a relatively new idea.  This paper introduces the concepts of an ALN/WBI course to the accounting information systems (AIS) course in four ways.  First, eight features of an ALN/WBI course are illustrated and examples of how they can be used in an AIS course are shown.  Second, the most prevalent advantages and disadvantages of an ALN/WBI course are described.  Third, this paper highlights some administrative questions.  Fourth, some research issues in this area are discussed.