Week 10 - Muddy - Database

I was fairly confused by the topic of Databases this week. The scavenger hunt didn't help me understand the topic as much as I thought I would. I still can't really wrap my head around the concept of database management. I don't understand exactly why and when I will use Microsoft Access and how it relates to Database Management System. I understood the different forms to access each view: Form view, Layout view, and Design view but I had to keep re-watching lectures to fully understand. And I am still lost. The terminology was quite confusing to me. I found an article that cleared up some information for me.

The article relating to Database Management Systems helped to clear up some information. I understand that Microsoft Access can be used to develop software and build applications but I don't see it as being very useful for the average person such as myself. However, it can be useful for sharing, editing and updating work without having to overwrite it, if a network is used to store or house a database. This and other features such as its ability to create tables, forms, reports and manipulate data are all practical uses for the program in the business setting. It is good for linking two sets of data together that may be in different locations.

I was also confused as to what the difference is between Excel and Access. There is a difference in some terminology, for example what is called a row in Excel is called a record in Access. Also Excel is not a database management system but is spreadsheet software. Excel uses worksheets and Access uses tables that use querying to relate sets of data stored in different places together. I found an article relating to the difference between Access and Excel to clear up my confusion.

Week 5 - Clear

Who knew Excel could be so interesting! I am so glad for this week's mini lectures. I am grateful to those students who requested this section to be a part of the course. I felt so much smarter after watching the lectures. The arrangement of rows and columns helps the data to be organized and the formatting helps with the appeal and design of the workbook. I learned how to print excel sheets because I always wondered how to fit all the information on the page. I also found the way words and percentages and currency is inputted to be interesting. I think it is so advanced that the document just does everything and reads the data automatically. The spreadsheet helps you analyze data, calculate formulas, and display summarized data in a pivot table.

I think having knowledge regarding Excel can be so useful in the business setting. It's great for accounting and even just keeping a record of transactions. I think this is some of the most practical information I can learn. Oftentimes students feel like classes are a drag because the information is not going to be used later in life but I feel more equipped with skills to use Excel when I used to just push it away and say "I don't know how to do that". I found a helpful YouTube video (click the link) for us "slow" people that describes Excel in a great way just like the lectures from class.