Relational Algebra Teaching Support Tool

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing supply of digital, pedagogical tools, known as Digital Learning Objects (DLO) – digital resources (image, film, animation, etc.) and software developed specifically for educational purposes. In the area of Computer Science, teaching Databases present a particular challenge because of a lack of quality tools to work with Relational Algebra. The present study proposes a web-based tool to support teaching and learning Relational Algebra – an important subject that is particularly difficult for students to understand. The purpose of the proposed tool is to provide an alternative method for teaching Relational Algebra operations, such as: selection, projection, union, set difference, rename, intersection, Cartesian product, natural join, division and some aggregate functions. In addition, we propose a graphic definition of a database schema (using features such as drag and drop, column highlights, lines, fields, etc.), so students can use the tool easily, and in conjunction with the theory taught regarding the definition languages (DDL) and data manipulation (DML). We intend for this tool to serve as an appropriate means for teaching and learning Relational Algebra, contributing to the development of new teaching skills, as well motivating the students in the process of learning.