Unit 3: Database design for educational web applications

Before answering the questions, carefully review the Unit 3 learning materials on database design, relational databases, UML class diagrams, normalization, SQL, and database implementation.

For each discussion question:

• Provide a clear and well-explained response using your own words.
• Relate your answers to examples from eLearning systems or educational applications where possible.
• Respond constructively to at least one colleague’s post by adding an additional idea, asking a relevant question, or providing a different perspective.
• Avoid giving only short definitions; explain why and how the concepts are important.
  
  
  

1.     A database is considered the "heart" of a web-based eLearning application because it stores information such as users, courses, assessments, grades and discussion activities.

Question: Imagine you are developing an online learning platform for the University of Rwanda. What types of information would you store in the database, and why is proper database design important for the success of the platform?

2.     Poor database design can cause data duplication, inconsistent information, performance issues, and security problems.

Question: Describe a possible problem that may occur when an educational institution stores all student information in one large table. How would you improve the design?