Database+Applications


 * Database Applications**

A database is an organized collection of information that can be categorized, sorted, analysed, and stored in a computer. The information can be manipulated, controlled, and retrieved as required. A complete set of related information is called a record. A field is a category of information (for example, “name” and “address”) in a database record. Each field can be searched and sorted as required to analyse and use the information gathered. Students can use a database to organize information in a useful and retrievable format, applying decision-making and reasoning skills in the process. Students must decide which information they have gathered is important; determine under what headings (fields) it is to be entered; develop a search strategy; and transform the data into tables, lists, or diagrams that form the basis of the analysis and investigation. Databases are also available in commercial formats – CD-ROM and online – which provide access to full-text records of journals or encyclopedias, bibliographic databases with citations or abstracts, directories of lists, numeric census or stock market figures, and on-line library catalogues.
 * Description**

The teacher:
 * Method**
 * demonstrates database creation and relevant use;
 * teaches the concepts of record, field, field name, and database layout;
 * provides opportunities for students to examine and work with a number of types of databases available, including commercial products;
 * encourages the use of student-created databases;
 * provides access to information or poses a question for investigation that will require the use of a database to organize and manipulate the data;
 * engages in discussions with students to examine their reasoning for determining which fields are created and which data are entered in the appropriate fields;
 * works with other staff (e.g., the teacher-librarian, the guidance teacher) to develop a strategy for teaching essential searching skills to students.

Database applications:
 * Considerations**
 * require hardware and software accessibility;
 * provide opportunity to consolidate and manipulate the results of whole-class investigations;
 * are available in a variety of formats, each with its own set of features.


 * Illustrations From The Mathematics Classroom**

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 * Elementary**

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 * Secondary**