2012

DATABASES
Organizing and Analyzing Information

By: Ingrid Quill

Introduction
Humans interact daily with excessive amounts of information, schools, libraries, supermarkets need to organize the information they manage with an effective, easy and truthful method. Databases are a way to store and manage all the data about a specific topic or function. Now exist three main types of databases text-based, hypermedia and multimedia that teachers can incorporate them to their lesson plans to create a meaningful and interactive learning process.

Objectives
Explain features and functions of databases in order to promote an adequate use of them. Analyze and determine what type of database is appropriate to be used in classroom activities. Discuss how to deal with databases and possible problems caused by them.

Databases
It is a collection of related information or facts stored in a computer. Their power to store, generate and depict vast quantities of information makes them a valuable source of interesting problems. Databases can engage students in posing and solving problems. Students can sample data, analyze and make predictions, make conjectures and discussions.

Database Structure:
Information in a database is organized using files, records, fields and data. Fields: they are the most discrete element of a database; they may contain text, numeric values, dates, pictures or sound. Data: it is the information you type into each field. Record: it is the electronic equivalent of a folder in which you store the information you just type.

Types of Databases
There are three types of databases: text-based, hypermedia and multimedia. Text-Based Databases: These kinds of databases include only text information, letters and numbers. Microsoft Office offer Access as this kind of database.

Hypermedia Databases: it consists on information in nodes, such as pages, note cards, or individual objects on a computer screen; interrelated through links that apply information.

Multimedia Databases: system that join two or more media into a single product or presentation. A good example of this kind of database is Microsoft`s Encarta.

Sources for Databases

Student-Created Databases:
they are created by students, they research and they enter their findings into records defined by them. This kind of activities allows students to practice their research skills and focus student attention on clearly identifying

their information needs in relation to a particular problem. Teachers need to work closely with students to ensure that the information in the database is relevant.

Teacher-Created Databases:

they are created by teachers, using one of the

many database programs that will help them with the topic that they wish. One advantage of teacher-created databases is that students are asked to use a database that has been tailored specifically to fit their curriculum, and covers the exact needs that they have. A disadvantage could be that it takes a lot of time to prepare it but once it is done you can use it over and over again.

Commercial Databases: they are created by companies and teachers and students
can by buy them for use it in classrooms. Regularly, are created in a hypermedia or multimedia format. If teachers decide to use a commercial database it is important that they take time to examine the program previously and familiarize themselves with what information is there or not.

On-line Databases:

these databases are stored on a server and can be accessed

through a computer and a modem. The most common on-line database is ERIC (Educational Resource Information Clearinghouse) it contains a listing of educational journal articles and documents. The advantage of this kind of database is that most of them are free and easily available.

A disadvantage of this database is that they need internet in order to access to them and that you are limited to the information provided. And they are constantly changing or removed.

Conclusions
Teachers must be careful in selecting what kind of sources they use to reinforce learning process; they need to fit into the curriculum and students needs. When students create a database it is necessary teacher`s supervision to structure and determine what information could be helpful and meaningful and what don`t. Databases make our life easier, prepare and create a good one could takes you a lot of time but once you finish you can use it as many times as you want.