BORING immediately comes to mind when I hear the word database. Luckily for me (sarcasm), I live in a database during much of my workday. Well, not literally, but most everything I do at work does revolve around two enormous databases. I don’t typically think of these as databases, but rather as systems. I utilize our student information system and our work order system on a very regular basis. While these examples may not be your typical “contacts database,” the fact remains that they are a structured collection of records, and therefore are classified as databases.
The largest database I work with is our student information system. Our district teachers and staff use this database primarily to track attendance and grades. Other information contained within this database includes: demographics, contacts, schedules, grades, transcripts, immunizations, etc. Parents and students are also able to access this database from the Internet to access much of the same information. Although this data is not entered or viewed as in Microsoft Access, the structuring of information conforms to that of a database.
The database that I use most often is our work order system. This database has changed the way I work. When a staff member has a technology issue, they call or email our helpdesk, who in turn adds a record to our FileMaker Pro database. I frequently check this database for work order updates, as do other members of my technology staff. This database has significantly increased efficiency and turn-around time in technology issues, requests, and repairs. Without this database, the technology department would be hard-pressed to keep technology repairs organized and completed in a timely fashion.
Databases are an amazing tool for organization. Whether we realize it or not, we access databases on a daily bases. Whether you’re using an electronic checkbook, address book, student information system, or electronic library resource, you’re using or accessing a database. I can say with certainty that they save me an immeasurable amount of time. Although databases may seem boring at first glance, perhaps they’re not so boring after all.
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I just realized that the hours and hours I spent inputting the data in the form of the new library books we received, added to an electronic library resource. Doing it this way, teachers and students can look to see what kind of material our small library houses and where it is located on the shelf. We all know this makes life so much easier! Thank you for provoking additional thought on the databases we actually do have at Woodmont Academy. I am finding, however, that teacher training on how to manipulate the information in a database is essential to its use. We are all looking forward to additional training during a PD day.
ReplyDeleteRyan, unlike you I have no experience with databases except for keeping track of my bills on an excel document. It sound like you have a good grasp on how to use databases in your daily work activities. I added another post to your previous word processing post on what camera I use for the pictures on my blog.
ReplyDeleteBrian
I agree Ryan that whether we consciously realize it or not, databases are something that we access and rely on daily. I can not imagine where I would be sometimes if I was not able to look up a cell phone number using my contact list. I can see how for you, databases are even more central to your daily routine than most. I appreciated your simplified definition of a database, "structured collection of records".
ReplyDeleteRyan
ReplyDeleteI have never used Microsoft Access at home or school. Any time my students or I do any data collections at home, work or school we always use Microsoft Excel. I use it at home for phone numbers, addresses, and managing my budget. At work, I use it for student information such as phone number, addresses, emails, health concerns, and any IEP accomadations. I was wondering how the two database softwares compare to each other. Do you think it is necessary for me to purchase this and use it in school or home?
Craig
Great examples of database use -- good definition and I love the database in our cell phones (we use them without even knowing)
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