Module: Model design

Learn to design information architectures using entity-relationship models.

Learning Outcomes

Design using entity-relationship modeling

You can use ER modeling techniques and the LucidChart tool to efficiently design and document information architectures.

Readings

Introduction to model design

Models in MVC, persistency, ER concepts

Screencast 17 min

ER Diagramming using Lucid Charts

How to use Lucid Charts to create your ER Diagrams

Screencast 6 min

ER Modeling Readings

A collection of helpful readings on ER Modeling

Play for Java, Chapter 7

Modeling and persistence

Model design guidelines

Standards for model design in this class

Experiential Learning

Practice WOD: Warehouse

Design the ER diagram for a Warehouse application

Practice WOD: Library

Design the ER diagram for a Library application

Practice WOD: Car rental

Design the ER diagram for a Car Rental application

A24: Model Design Technical Essay

Write a technical essay summarizing your experience doing the Model Design practice WODs.

Assessments

Group WOD: TextBookMania ER Design

Outcomes assessed: Design using entity-relationship modeling

Rx: < 40 min Av: 40-50 min Sd: 50-60 min DNF: 60+ min or incorrect

Students worked in groups in-class to collaboratively develop an ER diagram using LucidCharts for the TextBookMania application.

Discussion:

  • All groups accomplished this task relatively easily.

Model Design Technical Essay

Outcomes assessed: Create high quality technical writing

This assessment evaluated the ability of students to write a high quality technical essay summarizing their experiences doing the Model Design practice WODs.

Discussion:

  • Students appear to now be able to consistently create satisfactory technical essays on the topics presented in this course.

Individual WOD: play-example-form

Outcomes assessed: Design using entity-relationship modeling

Rx: < 20 min Av: 20-30 min Sd: 30-45 min DNF: 45+ min or incorrect

This was a “take-home” WOD in which students were on the honor system to do the WOD at home and report their results via email. The task was to create an ER diagram for the play-example-form application and upload it to a GitHub repo for display in the README page.

Discussion:

  • While times were not instructor-verified, I feel confident they are accurate.