This case is intended for use in an undergraduate or graduate Accounting Information Systems (AIS) class and focuses on the impact of a new technology (blockchains) on accounting. The case assumes no prerequisite knowledge and provides a basic understanding of the foundational technologies behind blockchains: (1) peer-to-peer networking; (2) hashing; and (3) proof-of-work. Through the development of either a physical, paper-based blockchain or an online document-based blockchain data structure to store transactions, students learn the basics of creating a blockchain and the immutability properties of blockchain. Using an experiential learning approach (Butler, Church, and Spencer 2019), we create a hands-on, learning activity that is focused on bitcoin blockchains in order for accounting students to gain a conceptual understanding of bitcoin blockchains, and their mechanisms and implications beyond bitcoins.
The main objective of this assignment is to improve students' understanding of the complex technology of bitcoin blockchain and its...
