Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based instruction (CBI) tutorial in accounting education as compared to traditional classroom lectures. In the first experiment (involving over 200 students), two instructors taught one class section each using the lecture method and one class section each using the tutorial. Learning was measured in all four sections by the difference in posttest and pretest scores. In the second experiment, a large class of 100 students was divided randomly into 2 groups with one-half receiving the usual class lecture and the other half using the tutorial program via computer network. Results indicate that under-prepared students using the tutorial showed a greater increase in their amount of learning than those in the control group. However, students with average or above average entry level knowledge in the CAI tutorial group did not show statistically different results from students with average or above average entry level knowledge in the traditional groups. It is concluded that the challenges facing accounting education can be addressed effectively with microcomputer-based CBI applications. Data are presented in both narrative and tabular format. (11 references) (DB)