Assignment
The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.
At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Friday. Two additional responses are required after Friday. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.
The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of class.
Assignment Details
Installing and configuring databases are important first steps when working with a database. This class will enable you to work with a popular database server available for Microsoft operating systems. This popular database will provide you with the opportunity to learn database concepts using a real database environment.
1. Download and install the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express Edition using SQL Server authentication.
o Download and install one of the following 2 files based on your operating system:
SQLEXPRWT_x64 - if you have a 64 bit operating system
SQLEXPRWT_x86 - if you have a 32 bit operating system
To determine what operating system you have, you can use instructions found here.
The file listed above will include both Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Express Edition, and SQL Server Management Studio. SQL Server Management Studio is used as the client graphical user interface (GUI)
o Review the information regarding Details, System Requirements and Install Instructions prior to the download. Note that Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0, Windows PowerShell 2.0 and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 are prerequisites.
o Follow the installation instructions found in the Install Instructions section. Use the configuration defaults for all except database engine configuration authentication mode. Select Mixed Mode including SQL Server authentication and Windows authentication. Remember the password that you chose for the SQL Server system administrator account.
o Be sure to set up and enable SQL Server authentication mode when you install the software.
o Review the log referenced at the completion of the installation to ensure success.
2. Once you have installed and configured the software, discuss with the class your experiences. For example, what questions did you have before you installed and configured the software? What, if any, issues did you have during the installation and configuration process? How did you resolve any installation or configuration issues? What suggestions would you have for others who need to install and configure the software based upon your experience?
3. Review the posts of your classmates. Provide thoughts regarding issues and solutions that they may have described. Share any best practices that you might have.