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This UK based exploratory case study explores the perceptions of accounting students using visual metaphor to support personal development planning (PDP). The requirement within PDP for students to reflect on their skills and knowledge and to evaluate, visualise and communicate their development and achievement needs is demanding. Students find the use of visual tools offers them the time, flexibility and functionality to explore, imagine, structure, interrelate and communicate the products of their reflections as part of the PDP process. The use of imagery in accountancy is growing with professional accounting bodies taking an increasing interest in the use of visualisation. The application of visual metaphor provides undergraduate accounting students with a valuable early experience of using iconography for technical information presentation. The findings suggest that students perceive the technique of visual metaphor as a stimulating exploration of their personal goals that enhanced their engagement in the reflective PDP process.

Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) provide the opportunity to deliver blended learning approaches that combine mixes of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with various delivery methods and media. In 2008 and 2009, the University of Winchester in the UK redesigned a variety of accounting and financial management modules for presentation in a blended learning environment. An exploratory, qualitative case study investigated students' perceptions of the new approach. Through focus groups, students reported favourably on the blended learning approach and the views of students correlated with previous research, although there were some contrary findings. Focus groups raised issues concerning students' expectations, competence and engagement. Resources and institutional practices were identified as factors in students' attitudes towards blended learning. Issues about communication, student interaction and collaboration also emerged. Finally, some practical lessons from this case study are proposed.