Authors:
Thomas M. Connolly
and
Carolyn E. Begg
Affiliation:
School of Computing, University of Paisley, United Kingdom
Keyword(s):
Database analysis and design, online learning, reflective practitioner, constructivist learning environments,
project-based learning.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Case-Studies and Applications
;
Computer-Supported Education
;
e-Learning
;
Web-Based Education
Abstract:
The study of database systems is typically core in undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to
computer science and information systems. However, there are parts of this curriculum that learners find
difficult, in particular, the abstract and complex domain of database analysis and design, an area that is
critical to the development of modern information systems. This paper reflects on these difficulties and
describes an approach for teaching database analysis and design online motivated by principles found in the
constructivist epistemology, which helps to overcome these difficulties and provides the learner with the
knowledge and higher-order skills necessary to understand and perform database analysis and design
effectively as a professional practitioner. The paper presents some preliminary results of this work and
reflects on the findings.