Database Learning Resources

Am still working on writing an eBook about using spreadsheets and databases for data analysis.  In the research, I reviewed the Geekgirl's Plain English Computing website at http://www.geekgirls.com/category/office/databases/ 

I especially enjoyed reviewing the 2007 article comparing database apps at http://www.geekgirls.com/2007/11/the-year-of-the-database/ 

Geekgirl's site includes several short tutorials - have copied the  names of the tutorials below from http://www.geekgirls.com/menu_databases.htm

Databasics	Database design from scratch
i: records & queries & keys, oh my!	i: introduction
ii: creating your first database	ii: simple database design
iii: data entry design	iii: the relational design process
iv: streamlining data entry	a data dictionary
v: getting information out
vi: exploring query types
vii: parameter queries
viii: queries with custom dialogs

Apple Numbers Spreadsheet Software Tutorials

I am working on writing my eBook for the ePublishing project.  One of the spreadsheet software discussed in the book will be Apple Numbers from iWork.  It is fascinating to see the differences between Numbers and Excel.  The most significant difference is that Numbers allows the user to have a "canvas" where multiple tables (individual spreadsheets) and charts can be displayed.  The second most notable difference is the ease at which the user can change the display of data.  The third big difference is the number of templates for the user to choose from when opening the program. Excel users will be pleasantly surprised.

There are a number of tutorials for learning Numbers.  The Apple iWork website has a number of short tutorials at https://www.apple.com/iwork/tutorials/#numbers

Of course, YouTube is always a great source for tutorials.  Other tutorials can be located at Lynda.com.  I will be posting some of the Lynda.com tutorials that can be shared on this blog, although they are all probably available on YouTube, too.

The Lynda.com Essentials tutorial is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uq_DYR0Vi8
I have embedded that video below.

Movie Software Tutorials - iMovie, Windows Live Movie Maker, Movie Maker

This fall, our university is offering a Faculty Development Workshop (FDW) that explores pedagogical principles for the use of technology with teaching/learning process.  Participant will be using an iPad or MacBook Pro.  As one of several workshop facilitators, I am exploring software solutions.  I discovered a blog with an iMovie tutorial this morning.  It is a simple 4-page guide designed by Storychases.tv at http://www.scribd.com/doc/35390885/Quickstart-Guide-to-iMovie-09

The design of an effective movie is challenging for many of us.  Since the principles for creating a movie are universal, the site is worth exploring.  Microsoft provides Windows Live Movie Maker as a free download at http://explore.live.com/windows-live-movie-maker (Only for Windows 7 and Vista OSs).

There is a version of Movie Maker for the XP OS also.  The following link is a tutorial for that version  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx