Table of Contents
Why We Should Have Separate Databases and a Data Warehouse
A high school will need separate databases as well as a data warehouse. Particularly, a school has different students in various classes taking different subjects. For this reason, a single database will not be effective in the specific context. It is imperative to have a database for the students as well as separate databases for the various subjects. Placing all this information in a single database would cause numerous problems. Experts advise that it is logical to develop separate databases with each database having a unique subject (Keengwe, 2014). The school will also need a data warehouse that will serve as a platform for collecting all data that can help the management to make important decisions.
Having separate databases representing various standards is likely to improve the level of productivity when working with the data. A school represents a complex institution that will benefit immensely from separate databases. Experts have advised that organizations need to embrace multiple separate databases as they continue to grow. The complexity of the school makes it evident that there will be a need for creating separate databases to facilitate an easy retrieval of data (Buxton, 2009). In some cases, it would be rational to create various tables and link them up in the database. However, in the school setting, it is better to create separate databases and combine the data in the warehouse.
Why we cannot have One Large Database for both Current and Historical Data
It is not advisable to store both current and historical data in a single large database. There is a need to separate current and historical data with the core objective of increasing functionality as well as the ease of access to different data. Combining historical and current data may present some benefits, but the disadvantages are many. In many instances, having all the data in a large database will introduce possibilities such as caching of old data or the need for regular pruning to create sufficient room for both historical and current data (Keengwe, 2014). Combining current and historical data may also introduce problems when retrieving pages. It becomes difficult to retrieve certain pages when you have combined data from the past as well as current data. Having separate databases increases the ease of retrieval of either the current or the historical data. For this reason, it is imperative to analyze the problems that may occur if the school only has a single large database.
A critical analysis of how the school system operates reveals that there will be a need for a separate database for historical data that has distinct tables for each previous class. The database with the current data will also include various tables that represent the data from each class. Creating separate databases will enable the school system to update current data (Ponniah, 2013). In any case, there is no need to introduce changes to historical data. Having such data on different databases makes it easier to update the current data. The strategy will ensure that the school does not clutter current data with the historical data. Since the school does not need to manipulate the historical data, it is easier to keep it separate from the current data. Combining current and historical data will only introduce complexities in the entire system.
How the School Would Use a Data Warehouse and its Potential Benefits
The school should deploy a data warehouse platform for various uses. Apparently, a data warehouse platform will help the school design a better decision-making process supported by the available data. A data warehouse will provide a centralized repository that will bring together data from different systems. In the context of the school, a data warehouse will serve as a repository for the integrated data from the student database, subject database, as well as other departments (Buxton, 2009). A school needs to make important decisions on how to improve performance and efficiency. A data warehouse will help the school analyze existing performance trends and demonstrate the progress made by different classes.
Organizations use a data warehouse to process complex data and use it for decision-making. For this reason, the school can embrace a similar approach in using the data warehouse to analyze complex data. Particularly, a data warehouse is an integrated, subject-oriented, non-volatile, as well as time-variant repository of data. It will be easier for the school to make important decisions using the data warehouse (Keengwe, 2014). It will be easier to maintain data history and promote consistency in data storage. Moreover, there will be a consistent presentation of the school’s data in the warehouse. Other benefits will include the potential integration of data from different departments, making it more valuable for decision-making processes.
Other Information Systems that the School should consider
The school will need to consider different information management systems that are compatible with its specific needs. One of such systems would be a student information system that allows the school to track and store student data and include the level of participation from parents and teachers. Such a system will allow the school to use different sharing tools as they seek to manage all the data from students. The school should be able to choose the best software available that can promote effective communication between students, teachers, and parents (Ponniah, 2013). Such a system will enable staff members to experience a higher level of cohesion and management of student data.
Moreover, the school will need to consider the importance of a security system that will protect data in the school system. Specifically, there is a need to promote data security and ensure that unauthorized parties do not gain access to confidential student and financial data. It is impossible to maintain such privacy and confidentiality without having a reliable security system. The school will adopt information systems that conform to its unique needs. For this reason, the first step will be conducting an extensive needs assessment to determine the unique needs of the school depending on its operations (Buxton, 2009). After the assessment, it will be possible to determine the most effective student information system or security system that the school will need.
How a Mobile Wireless Network would Influence the Educational Process
Undoubtedly, a mobile wireless network has the capacity to transform the learning experience of students. Particularly, it will increase the level of engagement and participation from the students. Having a reliable mobile wireless network in the school will create a new level of interconnectivity that will influence the learning process positively. Students will be able to shift from traditional learning to a digital approach to learning. It will be easier for the students to access information and the school will be in a position to set up virtual learning processes. A wireless network will ensure that the increased connectivity creates a better access to a diverse range of learning resources available online (Keengwe, 2014). High school students can benefit from personalized learning if the school has a mobile wireless network. The structure of learning will change remarkably, as the school implements the functionality of a mobile wireless network.
Recommendations
The school will benefit from the following recommendations:
- Develop separate databases for students, staff members, subjects, and other departments
- Create a data warehouse that will empower the school to experience an easier way of decision-making.
- Consider the adoption of a security system to promote privacy and data confidentiality
- Adopt a student information system that conforms to its unique needs
- Introduce a mobile wireless network that will enhance the learning process
- Buxton, S. (2009). Database design: Know it all. Amsterdam: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers/Elsevier.
- Keengwe, J. (2014). Promoting active learning through the integration of mobile and ubiquitous technologies. Hershey, PA : Information Science Reference.
- Ponniah, P. (2013). Data warehousing fundamentals for it professionals. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.