See the demo of how to use the system.
The goal of the database design system is to help students learn to build databases. The system helps students improve their design skills by providing expert system feedback on the designs.
Students select a problem and design tables and relationships. The system evaluates the design and provides immediate feedback and a score. The feedback identifies specific problems and provides questions to direct students to a better solution.
You must have an Internet connection. Dial-up works, but avoid bad and very slow connections.
Your Internet browser must be Java-enabled. If your system has not already installed the Java runtime environment, it might have to be downloaded from Sun. The download and install process should be automatic. If necessary, you can install it manually: http://www.java.com
Instructors must first establish an account for themselves. The process generally takes less than a day. Send an e-mail message and provide some way to verify your status as an instructor. Apply for an Instructor Account
The instructor then defines a course by entering basic course data. An important step is to define an Admit Code that students will use to register for the course. Instructors also select problems that will be assigned to the class. Instructors then request (by e-mail) and hand out key numbers to each student. As students work the problems, a score grid shows student progress. It also enables instructors to log in as the student and view or alter the work.
Students need to purchase a personal account on the system and register for a specific course. Purchase the key numbers from the main page. The system will send two registrtion keys by e-mail. (Check your spam filter!) Enter the key numbers to create an account by choosing a unique username and password. Create a New Student Account
When the account is created, students will also be asked to register for the appropriate course. Select your region, then university, then choose the appropriate course. You will also have to enter the Admit Code created by your instructor.
With a user account, you can now log in and work on your first problem.