Title: Week 1
Course: Introduction to Database Management Systems

Introduction to Databases

The topic introduces the course by establishing a foundation for database systems from traditional file-based approaches.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the week, you will be able to:

1. Describe the evolution of database systems
2. Differentiate between traditional file-oriented systems and database systems
3. Describe a DBMS and components of its environment

Over to you
This section involves you looking through the learning resources and summarizing the chapters provided. Thereafter, you will work on the e-tivities to demonstrate whether you understood and internalized the content.

Pre-Topic
Watch the video on an introduction to databases provided in the learning resources. Summarize and reflect on the concepts introduced in the video

Due date Tue 23:59
Estimated study time: 1 hour

FACE-TO-FACE

- Think, pair, share the concepts covered in the pre-topic activity.

E-TIVITIES

E-tivity 1.1 (Mandatory)

The purpose of this e-tivity is to introduce you to the basic concepts of databases. This includes a definition of basic terminology.

Task 1
Read chapter 1 to 3 of the Database Design course textbook that is covering Before the Advent of Database Systems, Fundamental Concepts and Characteristics and Benefits of a Database respectively. Also, read chapter 1 and 3 of Relational Database Concepts covering Some Initial Concepts and File-based Systems. As you go through the materials, capture important points in any format of your choice. The aim is not to replicate the notes but to point out unique points of interest.
The following points should guide you in ensuring that you don’t miss out on the critical aspects of the topic:
  - Are you able to identify the challenges and drawbacks experienced during the file-based system?
  - Are you able to highlight the benefits of the database approach?
  - Are you able to note and understand the main differences between the file-oriented and the database system?
  - Based on the components of the DBMS environment, are you able to look at an organization using databases and identify various components?

Task 2
Based on what you have read in the previous task, fill in the missing gaps in the puzzle to gauge your recall and understanding of the topic.

Due date Friday 23:59
Estimated study time: 5 hours

E-tivity 1.2 (Mandatory)

The purpose of this e-tivity is to dig deeper into introductory database concepts. While this activity is optional, it will prepare you as a student for the formative assessment (quiz) offered later in the course.

Task 1
Identify and discuss a real-world application of database systems that you may have encountered. If possible, keep it as local as possible based on your country. Individually, research and review real-world applications of databases. The guidelines herein will aid in identifying appropriate resources:.
The guidelines herein will aid in identifying appropriate resources:
  - Ensure that as you use google to search, to pay attention to the website’s credibility Look up videos on YouTube or any other site that have got high ratings.
  - Filter for OER or Creative Commons resources on Youtube.
  - Ensure that as you look up different tutorials be sure to keenly analyze the website author, date of publication as well as their reputation (if possible).
  - Access published research papers via scholar.google.com or research gate.
  - Ensure that the resources are indexed with ISBN or DOI numbers.

The instructor will react, give feedback and further explain examples presented
Due date Sunday 23:59
Estimated study time: 1.5 hours

Keep a copy of your work in your e-portfolio folder for future review. This will be helpful as you revise for your final examinations and for the instructor to monitor your participation and/or progress when necessary.

ASSESSMENT