Topic 5 Database

A database is a computer program which allows users to store, organize, and manipulate information. This information could be either numberical or text. The most beneficial attribute of a datebase is that they allow people to locate information through shared keyword searches. It is truly like a file cabinet or Rolodex card file. The purpose of a database is to store important information in a way that makes it easy to locate later. Teachers uses databases for the following reasons:

• Reducing data redundancy
• Saving time locating and/or updating information
• Allowing comparisons of information through searches across files
• Helping to reveal relationships among data

As a teacher, I have not personally created a database. That being said, I access our library database all of the time. It makes it EXTREMELY easy to locate books on certain subjects or by certain authors. I am very interested in learning how to use a database in my actual classroom, but I'm not yet sure how I would use one. If anyone has any good ideas for 3rd graders, I would love to hear them!