Chapter 9: Databases

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Chapter 9 Databases

• Section IV Using Problem Solving Tools to
  Enhance Learning

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Frameworks What we know. . .

• Do databases facilitate learning?
• Databases are constructivist learning approaches
  and facilitate
• Higher order thinking
• Problem solving
• Organizational skills
• Research skills

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Frameworks What we know. . .

• Are there best practice tips for databases?
• Teachers must be an integral part of the activity
• Databases must be consistently used so the
  software does not interfere with learning
• Activities must be carefully planned and designed
• Teachers must guide the questions that the
  database is to answer
• Questions must be well articulated

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Basics Ways to Use. . .

• How can teachers use the databases?
• Organization
• Student records
• Record equipment and materials
• Log lesson plans
• Portfolio artifacts
• Instruction
• Create activities that require databases to
  answer questions.

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Basics Ways to Use. . .

• What learning skills may be improved through the
  use of databases?
• Research
• Locating the data for the database
• Organization
• Setting up the database
• Sorting the database
• Running reports from the database
• Problem solving
• Using queries on the database to solve problems
  and answer questions.

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Basics Software Options

• What are the software options for databases?
• Proprietary
• FileMaker Pro
• MS Access
• MS Works has a database feature
• Inspire Data (Inspiration)
• MS Excel (Spreadsheet alternative)
• Open Source
• Open Office 3.1
• Database application is Base
• Web-based
• Zoho Creator

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Basics Using MS Excel

• Can Excel be used as a database tool?
• Most of the functions of a database tool can be
  created in Excel.
• The web-based tool in Google docs and Zoho can
  also be used.
• See pages 202-203 for explanations.

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Basics Database Organization

• How are databases organized?
• Fields
• Smallest category of information in a database.
• Records
• A group of fields make up a record.
• Files
• All records in a database create a file.

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Basics Database Capabilities

• How can the information be manipulated?
• After the data is entered and complete, the data
  can be
• Sorted - alphabetically or chronologically
• Queried - to reveal answers
• Reported - to summarize and put the information
  in an easy to read format
• Merged - data is merged with a word processed
  document to create a form letter

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Adapting for Special Learners

• How can databases be adapted for use with special
  learners?
• Do not exclude special learners in general
  education classes from working with databases.
• Work in small groups
• Aid in finding information
• Vary the length and complexity of text by pasting
  in auto summary (cognitive rescaling)
• Students with visual disabilities can use screen
  readers

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For more information

• Go to the textbook companion website
• http//www.pearsonhighered.com/obannon2e
• Or http//web.utk.edu/bobannon/preparing