The teacher, Dan, welcomes students to the online class, introducing himself informally and discussing technical difficulties with his setup. He explains the format of the online session and expresses admiration for the class turnout, emphasizing the collaborative and communicative approach he encourages during these sessions.
Christina: Shares her background in accounting and current full-time work at a pastoral company in Sydney. Her role as a bookkeeper has transitioned towards being called an accountant due to her years of experience.
Dominique: Lives in Auburldonga and works for FinDex, mentioning her previous experience there and acknowledging the difference in the subject focus compared to public practice accounting.
Rahul: From Bathurst, currently on a break from working in education and discussing his unexpected entry into accounting.
Zach: A second-year accounting student living in Kuta Mundra.
Eleanor: A charter pilot studying accounting to diversify her skills outside aviation.
Matthew: Looking to shift careers from hospitality retail to accounting and seeking a part-time job.
Harrison: Resigned from an accounting firm due to a toxic work environment and discusses the challenges faced in academic settings.
Abby: Works at Dingalonga Cowanan and talks about commuting for her job.
Other students echo similar experiences and professional backgrounds, revealing a diverse group united by their commitment to studying accounting.
Dan discusses the structure of the course, leading with the understanding that the subject content can be challenging, especially for those in public practice. He communicates the importance of utilizing available resources effectively and encourages students to engage with the material rather than passively consume it.
Dan emphasizes using a combination of practical and theoretical approaches in learning.
Important Resources: Reference to Mars Pet Care as a practical case study which students will leverage throughout the course. Dan mentions his own past involvement with the company.
Explains the significance of synchronous learning in adapting to contemporary educational practices, assuring students that recorded sessions will be available for review.
Discussion of the importance of independent and collaborative work, with Dan encouraging students to reach out with questions at any time beyond scheduled classes.
Structure of Assessments: Introduction of quiz assessments worth 5% each, alongside two major assignments. Dan reassures students they will be adequately prepared for these assessments as the course progresses, reiterating that assignments should include practical Excel components.
Students will also engage in reflection tasks related to real-world ethical considerations in accounting practices.
Students are encouraged to gain a firm grasp of Excel as it remains essential in the accounting profession, and assistance with this tool will be provided if required.
Furthers transparency by outlining the expectations for clarity in written communication and presenting work effectively five months into the course.
Dan outlines the binary instruction of in-class and supplementary materials provided via Brightspace, urging students to maximize available resources.
Tutorials on technical accounting functions and the incorporation of ethical guidelines from recognized organizations supplement hands-on experience. Students are encouraged to integrate real-world scenarios into their learning effectively.
Dan reinforces the availability of one-on-one consultations as needed to clarify doubts about assignments and course materials.
Teacher’s commitment to making accounting engaging and applicable in real-life scenarios enhances learning retention and application.
He highlights the opportunity for students to learn from his vast experiences, underscoring the importance of having open discussions about topics covered in class.
Students are given insight into how each subject ties back into their understanding of the coursework, reinforcing the practical context behind management accounting concepts.
Dan wraps up the class by reiterating the importance of being proactive in their studies, expressing his willingness to assist students through the learning process, and establishing a supportive online classroom environment. He encourages students to reach out with questions, suggesting they revisit recorded sessions to clarify doubts.
Dan ends the session by confirming the next class will address specific assignment topics and emphasizing the need for preparation ahead of each session.