Commonwealth Computer Navigator's Certificate/Milestone 3/Swot Module 5

This analysis is based on the Open ICDL Module 5

Guidelines for the analysis can be found at Guidelines for SWOT Analysis of Open ICDL

Strengths

 * Recognizes importance of describing tables, primary keys, indexes, etc. early in learning module.
 * Uses exercises to reinforce important concepts.
 * Excellent use of screen captures to explain concepts
 * the level of information seems appropriate for the adult student, though it could provide a more explanation of the concepts.

Weaknesses

 * no examples or rationale to explains the why for database design
 * no visuals or screencast explaining complex subjects
 * more attention paid to different learning styles of; visual, auditory and kinesthetic
 * no anchor subject for database design examples
 * lack of depth when explaining design decisions of table design, key definition & table relations
 * lack of details of how to integrate database with other OpenOffice applications

Design and development issues

 * having an anchor subject as an example would further engage the learner
 * include forms and reports based on anchor subject
 * provide greater detail regarding the whys and hows of database design
 * include discussion with examples of database normalization
 * first, second and third normal forms
 * increase usage of diagrams and screen shots
 * have students engage in exercises sooner
 * make available and example database application