Technology Boot Camp, Module 6 Skills Update E

1. Technology Boot Camp, Module 6Skills Update E Zachary Taylor EDTL 6310 Bowling Green State University

2. Adding and Editing Records in a Field—Database Proficiency • Last week, I focused on the creation of graphs in Excel. This week, I am taking that raw data and creating my very first database using Microsoft Access 2010.

3. Adding and Editing Records in a Field • As previously mentioned, this week I created a database using Microsoft Access 2010. • I needed to have Access downloaded onto my computer because the standard Office software did not originally include Access.

4. Adding and Editing Records in a Field • First, I opened a new Access document and created a blank database, shown on the right. • Before the Skills Bootcamp, I had never heard of Microsoft Access or the ability the create a database.

5. Adding and Editing Records in a Field • I originally created an Excel file that contains all of my raw data from my independent research. • After about a half an hour, I was able to find the “External Data” icon: this icon allows for Excel integration with Access software.

6. Adding and Editing Records in a Field • I clicked on Excel and was prompted with this screen. • I then searched my flash drive for the file extension and then uploaded the Excel worksheet.

7. Adding and Editing Records in a Field • After navigating through a few Access options, I was able to reach the final screen and retitle my Sheet as “Online Assessment Tools,” the focus of my research.

8. Adding and Editing Records in a Field • Then, I was prompted by this screen that shows all of my data with each data cell corresponding to a different ID, or locator number that identifies the data and allows the data to become sortable and searchable. • Here, I have created a database and added records to a database: a bit primitive, but this is my absolute first experience with Access.

9. Adding and Editing Records in a Field • After a bit more exploring, I was able to find the “Filter” option which allows the user to filter out results by ID number, allowing the user to sort data however they wish as long as the user knows the ID number for the proper data field.

10. Adding and Editing Records in a Field • In the field, I entered “1” and “2” and the database provided data from just cells with the ID number 1 and 2. • If I were to search for different data sets and compiled more Excel worksheets, the ID numbers would increase.

11. Adding and Editing Records in a Field • I explored one step further and was able to add another Excel worksheet that included all of my MEGAzine data, the other technology project I am concurrently working on. • On the right, you can see that I now have three databases of Excel worksheets: this way, I can keep adding raw data to my Access file, thus keeping all of my data in one place for easy Access! • Here, I added and edited records in a field, because after I inserted the Excel worksheet, I added a filter of data—HITS PER USE, highlighted in blue on the right—for my MEGAZINE worksheet that allows me to further add to my raw data and detail exactly how many users are using the MEGAZINE website and how frequently.

12. Thus Concludes Module 6… • Last week was graphs and this week is databases: I can’t wait to research and add to my already-professional technology creations… • I really enjoy the newly-found ability to compile all of my data in one place for easy Access. • My updated technology skills checklist is inserted into the post on my blog, as is my final reflection regarding the Technology Skills Bootcamp! • -Zachary Taylor