To BASE next year on a solid footing
Moodle version 1.6 will have an SQL database module add on. With this module, users can interactively build custom databases and select any type of data to be submitted on-line. As my friend Phil once pointed out, any Moodle data gathered in the SQL database can be easily exported with a custom PHP view or report. There are some Moodle discussions already about this module and I notice that a NSW college is already running a BETA copy with their demonstration playpen. Certainly worth looking at the Moodle roadmap to see where it fits in.
Amongst other on-line school database applications, I seen no reason why Moodle couldn't be used to create a student behaviour tracking system for teaching staff (with only a few simple fields for staff to complete). Access could be restricted to authenticated teacher users or year level coordinators. If it is as easy to use as it seems to be, it would be an interesting exercise to let students build and maintain their own database with Moodle before stepping up to use BASE. OpenOffice.org 2 uses a database called BASE. It has a familiar feel to MS Access. Lift the lid and there is a full version of the HSQL database engine, storing data in XML files.
At the moment I am just thinking through what activities might interest the students and what is actually expected from the new 2007 VCE IT Study Design. As there seems to be a significant database component, I am currently assembling some teaching resources for BASE. MS have already mooted some significant changes to the flavour and workings of MS Office and Access so if I start next year teaching with BASE, I can expect no interface changes and my handouts and tutorials will be valid and hold true for 2007. That is something to smile about.
Amongst other on-line school database applications, I seen no reason why Moodle couldn't be used to create a student behaviour tracking system for teaching staff (with only a few simple fields for staff to complete). Access could be restricted to authenticated teacher users or year level coordinators. If it is as easy to use as it seems to be, it would be an interesting exercise to let students build and maintain their own database with Moodle before stepping up to use BASE. OpenOffice.org 2 uses a database called BASE. It has a familiar feel to MS Access. Lift the lid and there is a full version of the HSQL database engine, storing data in XML files.
At the moment I am just thinking through what activities might interest the students and what is actually expected from the new 2007 VCE IT Study Design. As there seems to be a significant database component, I am currently assembling some teaching resources for BASE. MS have already mooted some significant changes to the flavour and workings of MS Office and Access so if I start next year teaching with BASE, I can expect no interface changes and my handouts and tutorials will be valid and hold true for 2007. That is something to smile about.