Phone: 812-855-3254 (voice) 812-855-6166 email: thom@indiana.edu
web: http://www.indiana.edu/~slizzard/courses/dbms.html
Discussion list dbase196
Office hours: Monday and Friday 2-4 pm
Special arrangements via email
This course is concerned with the analysis of database management
software for organization, maintenance, and access to information from a
'user centered' point of view. The student will consider various database
models such as flat file, hierarchical, relational, hypertext, models
which will form the core of the course. Time permitting we will also
explore full text, numeric, image , and geographic databases. The student
will design and implement databases using several commercial DBMS.
Html Examples: LJ site for image maps and tables, Resume for frames, and the MCPL site for multiple gifs.
Purpose and Rationale:
Twenty years ago the card catalog was the essence of libraries. Today the
computerized database has taken over this role. The biggest difference
between the card catalog and the database is the variety of forms of
information and methods of accessing the information in the database.
Along with massive amounts of traditional bibliographic information,
computer databases also hold full text, numeric and geographic data, and
'hyper' text/media. Unlike the card catalog which was limited in methods
of access due to the nature of paper which could not be easily altered,
the computer database provides almost unlimited potential for
organization and access: flat file, hierarchical, relational, hypertext,
full text, numeric, and geographic information systems. The ability to
use a variety of database software is critical for both the professional
information manager as well as the academic researcher.
Course Description:
This course is a beginning course concerned with the access to dynagraphic information
from a 'user centered' point of view. We will consider various database
models such as flat file, relational, and hypertext in terms of text,
sound, numeric, image , and geographic data. The student will design and
implement databases using a variety commercial DBMS systems.
Prerequisites:
Computer literacy
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course students will:
Course Requirements and Evaluation:
Will be based upon:
A passing grade in this course will not be given if any written
reports, graphic design and/or database design assignments are
missing
Key Readings:
Required:
Key Software:
Operating systems Databases
Mac System 7.5 FoxPro
UNIX FileMaker Pro , HyperCard
Assignments:
Due: Course info database.
Begin the food database. Identify users and needs. Database must include
paper documentation, help screens and at least 1 recipe which has
illustrated directions. Must include all recipes but not necessarily all
text. Must be able to add new data, search, browse, and edit.
Bring in food database outline/storyboard & problems
Read: Data Modeling, chapters 1-3 for Oct 2nd class.
Due: In class evaluation of food database which will be evaluated in
class by classmates.
Read: Data Modeling, chapters 4-6 for Oct 9th class.
Due: Continue in class evaluation of food database which will be
evaluated in class by classmates.
Due: Look at your first assignment, the class/course material, and make
a pass it making the database relational. Bring this into class for
discussion
Introduce Peter Sellers Problem
Read: Designing Large-Scale Web Sites, chapters 1-3
Read: Digital Storytelling by Thomas Erickson
Due: In class evaluation of Peter Sellers relational data problem
Read: Designing Large-Scale Web Sites, chapters 4-5
Brainstorming and Scenarios & User Testing on the Cheap, in TOG on
Interface by Bruce Tognazzini.
Due: Peter Sellers Relational Design Due
Department of Natural Resources problem
Due: Department of Natural Resources problem outline/storyboard and
problems
Due: In class evaluation of Natural Resources problem
Last changed April, 1996
(c) 1995 Thom Gillespie