Post #7

Jason Gaylord
March 8, 2009
Instructor McCulloch
MW 1-2:15

Post #7

The first reading focuses on the creation of databases for the purpose of organizing a lot of information and replacing the old dusty papers in the filing cabinet with electronic data. Databases offer a lot of advantages for teachers organizing a lot of material. The most obvious is the downsizing of filing room. However, there are many more advantages. For instance, teachers can use databases to help manage material usually done on paper. Assignments, for instance, can now be turned in online and delivered to a specific place that allow the teacher to access the work easily. As well, evaluations students turn in at the end of the semester assessing a teachers effectiveness can be now done anonymously in databases and allow for the information to be easily accessed by the teacher at anytime. Recommended tools for creating a database are FileMaker Pro 4.0 and ClarisHome Page 3.0. Unfortunately, as the article points out, there are still disadvantages to using the technology that may inhibit teachers' initiative to use the programs and technology. For instance, cost for such programs are still high, and computer space is still limited. As well, learning the language, such as HTML, may prevent teachers from using the technology effectively.
Reading article 2 presents more information that supports the use of databases. First the article points out the necessity that students of the 21st century learn technology. The author categorizes these essentials as compute, communicate, conclude, confirm, categorize, and classify. By learning these new skills, the author points out that this will promote students to problem solve and manage information effectively. For instance, students can also use databases to organize large amounts of information and use that organization to come up with compelling arguments. So on the positive, databases should be a tool that teachers use, and also, a tool used by the students. Some of the advantages the author lists as one of the pros of using a database, besides organization, is the flexibility it gives teachers. The recommended tool is Microsoft Works 4.0 Database.
Reading three recommends the use of databases particularly in computer classrooms. However, the article makes clear that databases are effective tools in other areas as well.
For myself, I think a database would be a great tool for several different things. For instance, if I wanted to learn about my students, then I could use a database to ask them some simple questions about themselves. This would allow me to understand them a little bit better, but also, pay attention to certain things such as their birthday or favorite music. Also, I could use a database to keep grades or students progress. Finally, I could use a database to give the students assignments and keep track of their work.
Right now, I do not really work with databases, except for my work at a law office, but the office could probably utilize the system a little more effectively. I would like to learn more about databases, but for now, it sounds like databases are the much better and concise for organizing a lot of information and coming up with ideas about the information stored. I will probably use databases once I get a better grasp on how to use them and set them up for use.