DATABASES AS MINDTOOLS Ezel TEKİN

Database management systems DBMSs are computerized record-keeping systems. The advantages of offered by computerized information storage include: compactness, speed of entering information into system, faster and easier access to information in the system and easier updating of information in the system.

DBMSs consist of several components: The database A file management system Database organization tools Reporting functions

One of the most important functions of DBMSs are the organization tools that will help us answer queries about students’ schedules. One often -used tool is the search function, which allows us to search through the database to find specific information.

Databases Used as Mindtools When used as a Mindtool, a database management system helps students integrate and interrelate content ideas, which in turn makes the ideas more meaningful and more memorable. To build the data model, students must first decide what the appropriate content relationships are. They must then search for the information in a systematic fashion in order to fill the database. Intellectually, these processes require the organization and integration of a content domain.

Database construction is an analytical task that calls a variety of critical, creative, and complex thinking skills. As a result, databases designed by students can be assessed and graded by the teacher as evidence of higher order thinking and content knowledge; however, the power of any Mindtool is in the process of constructing it.

Databases As Mindtools Semantic networks are less structured and constrained than databases. These reduced constraints may provide an advantage for knowledge construction and by some learners, while others may profit from the structural constraints imposed by databases. When using computer references, the contents of those conversations are often stored in databases in order to analyze the conversation.

Lastly we can say that databases can provide a structure for developing multimedia and hypermedia knowledge bases. The point is that database construction provides learners the opportunity to structure information in ways that can positively affect the use of most other mindtools.

Coaching the Construction of Databases in the Classroom Teachers may need to guide students through some of the following learning activities in order to scaffold the development of database skills: Students… query a completed database. complete existing data structures. make a plan.

adapt existing data structures or design new data structures for other students to complete. create and complete data structure. write queries for other students. extrapolate from databases. reflect on the activity.

To evaluate the databases as a mind tools: Several critical, creative, and complex thinking skills are required to use and construct databases. Database construction is an analytic process that makes extensive use of logical thinking, requiring students’ recognizing patterns, identify assumptions, and main ideas, and compare and contrast information. Designing and building databases require a number of planning operations that make heavy use of designing, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Thank you…