M47 - Database

Keywords: share, collaborate, summarise, data, content, contributions, contribute, student content, classification

What is it?

The Database enables staff to set up form fields that students can then complete to contribute entries to the database. The fields may consist of images, files, URLs, numbers, plain text and rich text (e.g. like HTML you see on web pages).

Why use it?

The Moodle Database activity can be used by students to contribute information on a topic that can then be searched, filtered and even graded (if you choose to do this).

Here are some ideas for using the database with you students:

Students contribute a summary of a journal paper for their peers to share
Students classify materials they are learning about
Students contribute their own work and ideas to a body of knowledge

Who can use it?

Tutors and Course Administrators can set up the database fields and configure how the data is displayed, both as a list and as individual entries.

Students can contribute content to the database by completing the database fields.

Before I start...

Determine what form fields you would like the students to complete and what information you would like displayed in both the list view and individual entry view.

How do I set one up?

Navigate to the Moodle course where you wish to add your database.
With the editing turned on, in the section you wish to add your database, click the "Add an activity or resource" link (or, if not present, the "Add an activity" drop down menu )and choose Database All settings may expanded by clicking the "Expand all" link top right.
Give your new database a name and a description.
Select your options (see below).
Click the "Save and display" button at the bottom of the page.
Define the database fields or use a preset.
Define the database templates.
Add one or two same entries then edit the templates as appropriate.