Figure 4.2: The Answer Editor for Tables

Tables. Table forms are used in ALEKS for entering simple tabular data (Fig. 4.2). Note that you can easily move from one cell to another with the Tab key; otherwise, simply click on the blue box where you wish to enter a value.

Figure 4.3: The Answer Editor for Journal Entries

Journal Entries. The journal entry form is perhaps the richest of the ALEKS tools for accounting. It allows the flexible construction of journal entries of arbitrary length and complexity. Values produced in the calculator can be dragged and dropped into cells; where appropriate for the type of problem, it will calculate values for some cells automatically based on what has been entered.

Descriptions are entered in the appropriate columns by drop-down menus; selections can be made easily from these menus with the mouse, or by typing the first letters of the desired element. Finalize a value by pressing Enter; move between cells by clicking or by pressing Tab. To add a new line in between two lines of the journal, use the "+" symbol at the right-hand margin; to remove a line, use the "x" symbol.

When the user is first introduced to journal entries in the ALEKS tutorial, an especially careful guided tour is provided to ensure that subsequent use of this important tool is problem-free.

Figure 4.4: The Answer Editor for Financial Statements

Financial Statements. The facilities for creation of financial statements in ALEKS resemble those used for journal entries, but the overall format is adapted for this different use.