Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tech Skill: Database

Database is computer based programs that allow users to store, organize, and manipulate information, including both text and numerical data. The true power lies in the fact that a database allows people to locate information through key word searches. Databases are basically online "filing cabinets". They have become so important in today's society with the need to store large amounts of essential information, which continues to grow in complexity and in volume.

In education, teachers mainly benefit from this in regards to reducing redundancy on student information. If the student is in the database, multiple users can find and access that information. Also, through key word searches, teachers do not have to waste time trying to locate or update information on a particular student. Databases also allows for computers to search for information through searches across files. Lastly, databases can reveal relationships among data. This is great for teachers looking at class averages or checking on student progress.

Teaching students how to use a database can benefit them immensely. First, database can develop useful research and analytical skills. Also, students develop problem solving skills through the technology. Lastly, databases are used everywhere in business today. This is a life long skill that is being taught to the kids. As for myself, I could use the database for data mining for planning as well as reporting information. This can be helpful also in communication with parents. However, the online gradebook adopted by my school district is the most useful database in itself. Rarely does the gradebook have features that are not offered by database.

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