Database analysis and design learning tool based on problem/project-based learning

The study of database analysis and design is typically a core in an informatics/computer science undergraduate/postgraduate study program. However, a survey conducted by Connolly in 2005 concluded that in Europe, companies considered the skill of database design is the most lacking skill in IT graduate recruits. To overcome the problem, Connolly and Begg in 2006 proposed the problem/project-based learning as an approach to study database design. This paper presents our work on a learning tool on the database analysis and design, focusing on the data requirement analysis and conceptual data modeling phase. The tool is designed based on the principles of problem/project-based learning by Connolly and Begg. The learning tool is developed on top of Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) by creating a new plug-in for data modeling called DBDesign. We conducted some interviews to a number of teachers and students of informatics/computer engineering study programs to obtain some opinions about the usefulness of the learning tool in improving the database analysis and design skills. All respondents agree that the tool will help students in learning database analysis and design. Nevertheless, some features are considered to be less important than others to be provided in such database learning tool; therefore, further study is required on the features.