The Database feature enables both instructors and students to add to and explore a collection of content. This collection can include various types of information like text, images, numbers, URLs, files, and more. It's also possible to extract the entries from one Database and import them into another Database within a new course module, making it useful for future years of study.
Below are several advantages of utilizing this tool:
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Data Collection: Allows users to create, manage, and share structured sets of data, making it ideal for collaborative data collection.
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Structured Information: Facilitates the organization of information with customizable templates and fields, ensuring consistency and uniformity.
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Versatility: Suitable for various tasks like building a glossary, creating resource repositories, or conducting surveys within a course.
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Interaction: Encourages interaction as users can contribute, view, and comment on entries, fostering engagement and collaboration.
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Search and Sorting: Users can easily search, filter, and sort entries, aiding quick access to specific information.
- Journals: Instructors can generate a weekly group journal, replicated for each week, in which students contribute their reflections to gain access to their peers' submissions. Additionally, they can establish a repository of resources for sharing links to external sites and courses not affiliated with UCSF.
- In the top right-hand corner of the page, turn Edit mode on.
- In the section where you would like to add an assignment, click Add an activity or resource.
- Select Database.
In the General section:
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- Provide a Name and Description for your database activity.
- The Description can be used to convey important details or direct students to technical assistance.
- In the Availability section, set time restrictions using "Available from," "Available to," "Read only from," and "Read-only to" date fields to regulate student access.
- Select the checkboxes to enable each date.
- Select other database setting options as required.
- Once complete, click Save and return to course.
- Provide a Name and Description for your database activity.
Note: Beside each field, you can click on the help icon for a description of each option provided.
Creating a New Database Field:
Editing a Database Field:
Deleting a Database Field:
Customizing Database Templates: Once all required fields are added, you can modify the visual layout for various database views (list, single, search, add form) by editing templates.
- After including all the necessary fields for your database task, you could modify the visual arrangement of the database activity across various database views, such as list, single item, search, or addition forms. The adjustment of each view's layout is achieved by editing the corresponding database template.
- Select the Templates tab.
- Click on Add entry template and select the template you would like to edit from the drop-down List. For example, click the List Template, if you wish to revise the List Template.
- Enter a header and footer for the database's View list page.
- In the Repeated entry text box, use the editor to change the presentation layout.
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Click on Save template.
Note: For Advanced search options, select the Advanced search checkbox. This will enable you to search additional fields.
Searching and Adding Entries:
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- To search the database, access the Database tab. Utilize drop-down menus and free text fields to define search criteria. For advanced searches, activate the Advanced search checkbox.
- To add entries, go to the Add entry tab.
- Create a new entry and save it.
Exporting Database Entries:
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- Click on Actions in the top right corner.
- Select the Export tab.
- Choose your desired export file format and select fields for export.
- Click Export entries and save the exported file.
For more information, watch the comprehensive video tutorial offered by the official Moodle channel. This tutorial will lead you through each step, providing a thorough grasp of the various settings and their efficient utilization.