INST 522 Last Comprehensive Update: June 2019 Reflection Paper ✓ Solved
The programs at the University of North America are designed to help our students integrate classroom learning with real-world work environments. To ensure we are serving our students and that students are achieving the outcomes for their program, we ask students to reflect on the experiences of the term as part of the final course assessment. In a short paper (2-3 pages), please address each of the topics below with a 2-3 paragraph narrative for each section.
Reflection Paper Topics
1. Course Content
In this section, describe the most important aspects of this course for you with respect to the content that was covered or activities in which you participated. Discuss the relevance and value of the practicum assignment concerning your knowledge acquisition.
2. Application of Course Content
Here, describe how you applied what you learned in this course at your workplace. Discuss how this course may have impacted your specific job, techniques you used at work, or other relevant aspects that show how what you learned was linked to your job.
3. Job Experience Integration
In this final section, describe how your work experiences were used in the classroom and attributed to your performance in the course. Discuss how integrating your work experiences in class activities assisted in understanding topics discussed within the course.
Complete this assignment and submit it to the appropriate dropbox prior to the end of the course. PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME AND COURSE # IN THE HEADER OF THE PAPER.
Paper For Above Instructions
Reflecting on my experience in INST 522: Database Design and Processing has been a profoundly enriching journey. This course provided not only theoretical insights but also practical applications that have enhanced my understanding of database systems profoundly. The combination of online lectures, Moodle discussions, and practical assignments allowed me to engage actively with the content.
1. Course Content
Throughout this course, the most significant learning outcomes included the design methodology for databases, normalization steps, and the fundamentals of SQL. Each topic built upon the last, creating a comprehensive understanding of how databases operate and are structured. The practicum assignment, in particular, was invaluable; it required us to implement the theoretical concepts we had learned. This hands-on experience empowered me to understand the importance of database normalization and how it helps eliminate data redundancy and improve data integrity. By actually designing a database based on a case study, I could appreciate the structural correctness of database design and its critical role in ensuring systems are both effective and efficient.
2. Application of Course Content
My workplace provided a real-world context for applying the knowledge I acquired in INST 522. Specifically, working on a team project to streamline our existing database system allowed me to utilize SQL for data manipulation, which I learned extensively during the course. Implementing normalization techniques led to a significant reduction in data anomalies we were facing prior to the project. Furthermore, the skills I developed in evaluating and extending applications within relational database models were directly applicable. Enhancing our database’s design based on the principles learned in class not only improved data quality but also facilitated smoother transaction processing within our operations. These practical applications bolstered both my confidence and competence in handling database-related tasks at work.
3. Job Experience Integration
The integration of my job experiences in the classroom significantly enhanced my learning process. For instance, I shared how my organization used unnormalized data structures that were prone to frequent errors. This experience enriched our Moodle discussions, as my peers and I explored the challenges and solutions around database design. Contributing real-life scenarios and learning from the experiences of classmates created a rich tapestry of knowledge that helped solidify our theoretical foundations. Class activities and group discussions enabled us to critically analyze problems, typically faced in professional environments, and propose database solutions that directly correlated with our discussions. This reciprocal relationship between my job experience and academic learning shaped my grasp of complex database concepts and their implications in the real world.
In conclusion, the INST 522 course was pivotal in bridging the gap between theory and practice regarding database systems. Through a mix of coursework, practical assignments, and class discussions, I gained invaluable knowledge that I could implement immediately in my job. The direct application of concepts learned to workplace scenarios helped me realize the impact of well-designed database systems on business efficiency. This course has undoubtedly equipped me with the foundational skills necessary to excel in database management tasks in my current role and prepares me for future challenges in my professional journey.
References
- Coronel, C., & Morris, S. (2018). Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management. Cengage Learning.
- Elmasri, R., & Navathe, S. (2015). Fundamentals of Database Systems. Addison-Wesley.
- Rob, P., & Coronel, C. (2018). Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Management. Cengage Learning.
- Silberschatz, A., Korth, H. F., & Sudarshan, S. (2010). Database System Concepts. McGraw-Hill.
- Hoffer, J. A., Venkataraman, R., & Desai, V. (2016). Modern Database Management. Pearson.
- Date, C. J. (2012). An Introduction to Database Systems. Addison-Wesley.
- Wiederhold, G. (1992). Database Semantics: Semantic Issues in Database Systems. Morgan Kaufmann.
- Moller, H., & Newell, J. (2014). SQL and Relational Theory: How to Write Accurate SQL Code. O'Reilly Media.
- Finkelstein, M. (2006). The Art of SQL. O'Reilly Media.
- Chen, P. P. (1976). The Entity-Relationship Model: Toward a Unified View of Data. ACM Transactions on Database Systems.