Integrating Technology Into The Classroom: Using Mainstream Tax Software To Teach Personal Income Tax

Abstract

Integrating technology into the college classroom is often difficult and may come at the expense of content. Practical usage of the computer in business situations is even more difficult to achieve in an educational environment. The business school educator must seek out ways to expose all students to practical computer applications. In light of many studies, HBCU business educators must pay special attention to technology issues and make sure that their graduates are as competitive in the market place as non-minority business school graduates. An exciting and rewarding opportunity exists for instructors of Individual Income Tax who wish to integrate subject matter, technology and practical application. By using common tax software products in the classroom in combination with the IRS VITA program, an educator can successfully integrate content, computers and community service into one classroom situation.