Databases: As Easy As 1, 2, 3!
A Staff Development Presentation
Introductory
PowerPointWorkshop
Agenda (PDF)Handouts
(PDF)Personal Reflection Peer Feedback Professor's Feedback
The FilemakerPro Database training was designed to be used with the District Technology Leaders in Mono County. A District Technology Leader (DTL) is a site-selected technology-using educator. There are 6 DTLs located at school sites throughout Mono County. In most cases, they are teachers who feel comfortable with using technology within their classroom and have basic technology proficiency skills.
The goal of this training was to introduce the DTLs to the database application, demonstrate how to use it, and allow for hands-on, guided practice. The objectives during the training included using the elements of a database to create a student information management database. Follow up extended learning objectives included using acquired skills and knowledge to create a curricular or assessment database; and design a relational database.
This artifact fits within education and the curriculum in a number of different ways. As a management tool, it allows teachers to be more efficient by organizing and tracking student information. Teachers can also use a database to organize teacher resources, library books, and lesson plans. As a curriculum device, a database can be used by students to generate assessments. Students can also input data that can be organized and then interpreted and analyzed.
The artifact has been utilized and tested with a cadre of District Technology Leaders on January 23, 2001. The teachers were able to create simple student information databases using the guided instruction and handouts provided. As per feedback following the six-hour workshop, the teachers felt as though they had a general understanding of the elements of a database, and understood the tremendous impact this tool could have on the curriculum and teacher organization. All felt that it was a powerful tool that had much more potential than that shared at the workshop. Finally, the teachers needed more time to better learn the tool.
The artifact has not been modified since it’s initial design. However, if I were going to modify the activity, I would provide follow up time to revisit this tool. I think that with a software program as powerful as FilemakerPro, teachers will need ongoing support and time to develop useful tools. From my own experience, the planning and designing of a database takes much thought and time to do it correctly. In addition, I would incorporate the instructional strategy Concept Formation to generate ideas from the participants as well as model how to use this strategy with a database and students.
My database artifact did not have the impact on teachers that I had hoped for. I did not consider the richness of the software in terms of fully utilizing all of it’s different strengths in an educational environment in the time that I had allotted for the training.
PEER FEEDBACK - Comments from the workshop participants
The most valuable part of this activity:
- Communication between infrastructure and staff.
- Hands on was great . . . presentation hit all of the basics.
- Hands on working with FileMaker.
- The application to my professional development.
- Created an interest in database use.
- Learning new software and then receiving it!
What parts of the activity could be improved to better meet your needs?
- More of the same---to build upon what was presented.
- It was great.
- Save work to disk, utilize own student list for activities.
- Follow up after using software for more instruction.
What additional activities would you like to see offered?
- It would be nice to have another class to actually create a database w/ reports for personal use.
- Keep the good stuff coming!
- Joint projects?
Comments:
- Kim is an exceptional instructor who does a great job teaching a very difficult subject.
- Good presentation--now need to make time to practice/use program.
- This group is invaluable in tech awareness and application in Mono County schools.
PROFESSOR'S FEEDBACK - From Mike Menchaca on 10/8/01
As a standalone, the "Up" button is out of context. I.e., if I start from here, to where do I go up? I'm not sure that there is another way of accomplishing the same thing.
Overall, the layout is great and I like the color scheme. The PowerPoint is easy to follow and informative. Is your approach to use the handouts in conjunction with the PowerPoint. If so, perhaps in the comment sections, you could point out which handouts are appropriate at which point. That could be adapted for people to use it on their own although it is still best without a facilitator. If not, then its OK as it is.
The handouts are outstanding and impressive.
The schedule has lunch. Now you are talking about successful staff development!
When I move my mouse over "resources" on the first page, it changes to "agenda."
Overall, excellent product that will certainly help teachers achieve an objective of learning databases, especially as related to instruction.