Developing a Database

While there is certainly value in knowing how to use a database, like the other tools in this chapter developing a database can be used as a way to explore course content. Developing a database is a good way to learn about the structure of a specific content area. What are the important categories of information? As your book suggests, much of the important work in creating a database is not done at the computer. Here is a sequential list of the activities students would go through in creating a database (taken from Turner, S. & Land, M. (1988) Tools for schools: Application software for the classroom. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.). You will see that it is similar to the approach recommended in the chapter.

Plan the database

Design the record

Collect data for individual records

Enter data

Check data

Create search strategies to answer question

Search

Sort results

Draw conclusion

Before students actually develop a database, they should work through this or a similar procedure for some sample topics.

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