Teaching Database Querying in the Cloud
Karen Davis · 2019
Cloud-based resources for students to create and query databases can be leveraged in a traditional database curriculum as well as in updated curriculum to support data science. This paper describes processes to apply for a Google Cloud Platform grant for educators, to establish student accounts, build a SQL database in the cloud and connect to it, and also use SQL to query a big data platform for millions of records in open source data sets. These freely available, industrial strength resources can be used for teaching SQL and database creation, as well as for introducing more advanced topics such as physical design, performance comparison, and data warehouse creation and population. Associated learning objectives, assignments, and assessment of student learning and perspectives are presented.