Databases as Mindtools

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Databases as Mindtools
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Objectives

• Review basic database concepts
• Distinguish flat-file relational databases
• Discuss database functions
• Discuss databases as Mindtools

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Defining databases

• Computerised record keeping systems
• Benefits include compactness speed
• Components
• Design tools
• Data storage
• Data selection (sort, search, query)
• Data presentation (forms, reports)
• Structure
• One or more files
• Record for each object
• Field for each fact

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Records fields
Record data about a single object
Field data about a single property
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Flat file or relational
Flat file - single table
Repeated data
Relational - multiple tables
Linked data
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Data selection

• Sorting
• Sequence according to one or more fields
• Alphabetical or numerical
• Select records (search, find, query, match)
• Locate record(s) by content
• Simple - field EQUALS or CONTAINS
• Complex - using AND, OR, NOT

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Data presentation

• Layout for screen or print display
• Select records
• Select sequence fields
• Forms - single record
• Data entry review
• Reports - multiple records
• Data review
• Sorted summarised

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Building databases

• Requires understanding of the domain
• Existing or developed in process
• Learners need to
• Identify key characteristics
• Identify relationships among concepts
• Search for obtain relevant data
• Extract and organise data
• Manipulate data to answer questions

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Working with databases

• Analysing content
• Derived (calculated) fields
• Generating categories
• Query sort for comparison
• Study guides
• Structure for collecting organising data
• Look for patterns relationships

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Coaching database use

• Query completed database
• Complete existing structures
• Planning, adapting designing
• Create and complete data structures
• Propose queries for others to answer
• Extending existing databases
• Reflecting on the activity

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Evaluating database a Mindtools

• Need to balance
• Ease of learning operation
• Complexity and power
• Advantages
• Use of databases is constructive
• Active learning rather than passive
• Thinking about relationships patterns
• Flexible use of data
• Disadvantages
• May constrain types of information considered