Integrating QuickBooks® in financial accounting classrooms: evidence from the UAE

The surge in technology adoption has transformed students into ‘digital natives’ who require innovative teaching methods to enhance their engagement and learning. This paper investigates the impact of integrating QuickBooks®, an accounting mobile app, on students’ learning, engagement, and interest in the course. It utilizes a survey questionnaire and focus group design to collect data from a sample of 160 undergraduate financial accounting students at a leading public university in the UAE. The findings reveal that students positively viewed the use of QuickBooks® on their learning experience. Students reported enhanced class engagement and interest in the course, which was otherwise viewed as generally dull. Using QuickBooks® in solving assessments was perceived more effective relative to pen-and-paper assessments and during uncertain times. This paper contributes to the literature on the impact of mobile technology in accounting education and suggests innovative tools to enhance the graduate attributes and employability for educators’ consideration.