CCNC/CNCC Module 5

Module Five - Database Management using OpenOffice 2.0 Base

Module Overview

Welcome to Module # 5 - Database Management using OpenOffice 2.0 Base.

Outcomes

This module explores the building of a database using the OpenOffice 2.0 Base software application. The module is intended to be very hands-on and focus upon two primary areas; the how and whys of designing and implementing a database, and to develop a basic understanding of relational database theory. This balance of practice and theory is intended to bring greater design strength and data integrity to your database applications. Upon completion of this module the students will be able to... Describe a database and how it can be utilized Discuss the difference between a database and the other OpenOffice applications Define the first, second and third normal forms of database design Utilize database normalization techniques when building and maintaining a database Perform activities to keep the database performing, backed up and administered Build and test a database design Build forms to create, retrieve, update and delete data from the database Build queries to retrieve and sort data Build and print reports for regular and adhoc reporting of data Share data with other OpenOffice applications

Study Tips

Throughout this module we have anchored the design theory and database implementation in the idea of a school. The school can be indoors or outdoors; it can be a small single building school with all the grades or a large school with many students and many classrooms. The main idea is to think about the school and how the students, teachers and classes relate to one another as data or information.

Preknowledge

We recommend you; Study modules 1, 2 and 3 before this one, because they provide the essential knowledge for you to work with databases, including saving files, formatting text and retrieving information from other files. Complete module 4 before this one, for it will provide you a deeper understanding of how to identify and organize elements of data. Knowledge of spreadsheets is required as during this module we discuss the similarities and differences of databases and spreadsheets. Think about the school in which you were or are a student or teacher. Think about the students, the teachers, the courses and how they relate to each other. Think about the data or information within these relationships. Gather together some written or printed copies of forms and reports from within the school to use as reference when building your database.

• We recommend that you spend 90 minutes of uninterrupted time on each chapter section. Understanding database concepts requires reflection, so please allow time between chapters to review what you have learned.
• It would help you if you have access to the following when attempting the activities in this module;

1. Paper and pencil to draw working diagrams and write design notes
2. Some written or printed copies of forms and reports from within the school to use as reference
3. A lot of curiosity and patience with using new technology

• You may find it useful to skim through an entire chapter (or portion of a chapter) first, paying special attention to the headings and introductions then go through a second time for more in depth study and practice
• We recommend that you do the activities as they appear rather than all at the end. They are essential study materials, so please attempt them.
• If you have difficulty understanding a section of a chapter, try working at it slowly. If you still do not understand, seek help.

Module Sections

• Chapter 1 - The database application
• Chapter 2 - Designing and creating tables
• Chapter 3 - Data entry using forms
• Chapter 4 - Retrieving data with queries
• Chapter 5 - Creating reports
• Chapter 6 - Outputting and sharing data
• Chapter 7 - Our example database discussed

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Module References

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• This modules OCDL / ICDL mapping is an essential resource for this modules development. Please add further notes or comments into this mapping for where you would like to see module improvements.

About this Module

Module # 5 - Database Management using OpenOffice 2.0 Base

• Attribution: OpenICDL - Module Five (Database) is currently under development by OpenICDL, this project will build upon (and extend) the current state of this development.
• Authors: Peter Rawsthorne
• Based on Open Office Version 2.0
• Created under a Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license