A Review of the First Phase of a Project to Develop and Utilize Animated Database Courseware

Database technologies have revolutionized information technologies and information systems and, as such, are recommended components of any undergraduate program in a computing discipline. However, there are many obstacles to teaching database concepts including prioritizing the many important database concepts, incorporating new technologies into an already full curriculum and supporting students who find the topic challenging. This paper presents a review of the development of a set of database courseware animation prototypes designed to support and strengthen the presentation of database concepts. The work was part of a proof-of-concept NSF grant. Preliminary evaluation of the prototypes suggests they enhance student learning and, consequently, future enhancements to the courseware have been proposed