Using Virtual Servers to Teach the Implementation of Enterprise-level DBMSs: A Teaching Note

One of the areas where demand has remained strong for MIS students is in the area of database management. Since the early days, this topic has been a mainstay in the MIS curriculum. Students of database management today typically learn about relational databases, SQL, normalization, and how to design and implement various kinds of database applications. Choosing the best database package on which to base the hands-on activities for the class is one of the biggest difficulties of teaching it. Many schools end up using the lowest common denominator which is often a PC-based package such as MS Access. While this package is certainly adequate, basing the whole course on using this one package may be a disservice to the students. This is because in the real business world, the market is dominated by the larger, enterprise-level DBMSs such as Oracle, IBM DB2, and Microsoft SQL Server. However, getting the students access to one of these packages poses a whole series of other problems involving getting academic alliances and maintaining it on a server. This article describes a novel use of a server virtualization tool that is commonly used in the business world to allow students to gain experience in using several of the most popular enterprise-level DBMSs. Students benefit because they get more real-world experience out of the class and gain confidence that their skills will more readily transfer to jobs. Faculty also benefit by having more flexibility in how they can present the material

Advanced Database Concepts for Undergraduates: Experience with Teaching a Second Course.

Abstract This paper describes the development of a second database course for undergraduates, preparing students for the advanced database concepts they will experience in industry. Assuming an introductory course on relational database systems as a prerequisite, the topics addressed in the course include object-oriented data modeling, objectoriented database systems, object-relational database systems, Web access to databases, and professionalism and ethics. We present our experience with teaching the course, elaborating on the topics and assignments. We also present feedback from students and industry partners as well as our own assessment of future course refinements

Abstract Integrating the Practical Use of a Database Product Into a Theoretical Curriculum

Integrating the practical use of a database product into the theoretical curriculum of a database management course is a challenge. The approach described minimizes the amount of class time that is allocated to teaching students the use of a database product, while providing guidance to the students in the use of the tool. Introduction of the database product is accomplished through cooperative learning, where students help each other learn the intricacies of the system. To facilitate this process, the students are provided with a complete database implementation example. Usin