The Database Activity in Moodle allows instructors and students to collect, display, and search structured data entries collaboratively. Think of it as a mini custom database inside your course.

What the Database Activity Is

• A flexible tool where users contribute entries (like records in a database).

• Each entry can include text, images, files, URLs, numbers, checkboxes, ratings, or tags.

• Entries can be searched, sorted, filtered, and viewed in multiple formats (list, single view, or user-defined templates).

Key Uses at a Glance

✅ Great for:

• Collecting and sharing resources (articles, websites, media).

• Building a glossary of terms or case studies.

• Student-submitted project ideas with peer feedback.

• Showcasing examples of work (images, portfolios).

• Maintaining a database of research topics or reading notes.

❌ Not designed for:

• Automated grading of complex assignments (use Assignment tool instead).

• Synchronous discussions (use Forum).

• Detailed surveys/quizzes with scoring (use Quiz or Feedback tool).

• High-security submissions or sensitive data (use Assignment or Workshop).

Faculty Guide – Setting Up a Database Activity

Step 1: Add the Activity

1. Go to your Moodle course.

2. Turn editing on.

3. Click Add an activity or resource → Select Database.

4. Click Add.

Step 2: Configure Basic Settings

• Name: Choose a descriptive title (e.g., “Research Sources Database”).

• Description: Explain the purpose to students.

• Entries Required for Completion: Set how many entries participants must submit.

• Approval Required: Decide if entries need your approval before they’re visible.

• Allow Comments: Let participants comment on each other’s entries.

• Allow Ratings: Choose rating scales if you want to grade entries.

Step 3: Define Fields

You must define the fields (columns) of your database:

• Text area

• Number

• Date

• URL

• Checkbox/Dropdown menu

• File upload

• Picture upload

Example: For a “Research Sources” database, you might create fields:

• Title of source (text)

• Author(s) (text)

• Publication year (number)

• URL (link)

• Summary (textarea)

Step 4: Customize Templates (Optional)

• List template: How entries appear in the list view.

• Single template: How a single entry appears.

• Add template: The form students use to submit entries.
  (Defaults are provided, but you can customize layout with HTML.)

Step 5: Save and Test

• Add at least one sample entry to ensure the setup works.

• Switch to Student View to confirm usability.

Student Guide – Adding and Viewing Entries

Adding an Entry

1. Open the Database activity.

2. Click Add Entry.

3. Fill in all required fields.

4. Upload files/images if applicable.

5. Click Save and View.

Viewing Entries

• Click View List to see all entries.

• Click Search to filter by keywords.

• Click an entry’s title to view in detail.

• If allowed, comment on or rate others’ entries.

Editing or Deleting Entries

• You can edit or delete your own entries until the due date (if the teacher hasn’t locked them).

• Faculty can edit or delete any entry.

Tips & Best Practices

For Faculty

• Pre-populate sample entries to guide students.

• Use consistent naming for fields to avoid confusion.

• Enable comments for peer interaction.

• Use tags for easier filtering and searching.

• Lock the activity after the deadline to prevent changes.

For Students

• Follow naming conventions (e.g., “LastName – Topic” in the Title field).

• Add quality descriptions (not just links).

• Attach files/images responsibly (optimize size for faster loading).

• Check entry before saving—some fields may be required.

Example Projects

What NOT to Use Database For