Using Moodle, 2nd Edition

Chapter 12. Databases

This chapter covers the following MTC skills: 5.12 Database

The database module provides a tool for collaborative development of a database within the course. For those of us old and geeky enough to remember, it’s Moodle’s answer to Apple’s FileMaker program: a simple, easy-to-use, general purpose database. It’s not meant to be very complex or powerful, it’s simply a way for multiple people to add structured data to a shared resource.

Only your imagination limits the potential uses of the database module. You could use the database to create glossaries, catalogs, taxonomies, registrations, paper submissions, maps, or anything where the students in your class can fill in a form to add data.

Creating database activities is a little more involved than most of the Moodle activities, but it’s not as complex as lessons. You also have the option of using a preset of an empty database activity, rather than creating your own from scratch. An image gallery preset is currently included in the database module, though more database presets will be available in the future. For now, however, let’s create a database activity from scratch, based on the goals you have for the students in your course.

Note

The database module should not be confused with the database that powers your Moodle site. The database module is an activity type, which uses the Moodle database to store data. The Moodle database stores data for all modules and for your Moodle site.

Creating Databases

A database ...