There might be a slight variation in the menus depending on the Access version that you’re currently using. Report objects are not addressed and should be.Ĭontent was presented clearly and accurately. The learning outcomes focus on Microsoft Access skills necessary to create a new database, construct data tables, design forms and create queries. The text delivers an in-depth and comprehensive explanation of relational database theory and design. Reviewed by Catherine Puopolo, Adjunct Faculty, Bunker Hill Community College on 6/10/20 Overall, I would recommend this text to anyone looking to explore Relational Databases via Microsoft Access.
The images were clear and reasonably abundant.Īs previously mentioned, I did notice use of the term "cursor" when it should have been referred to as the "insertion point".Īlthough this is not culture specific, as previously mentioned, I would suggest eliminating the Gender Field from the Employees Table and substitute it with something more appropriate and relevant. The topics were presented in a logical manner that increased in difficulty with a well explained approach to each new concept. As previously mentioned, the introductory levels could easily be used to familiarize, first-level, students with the MS Access software. The text can be easily segmented into different concepts as well as by the different MS Access objects (i.e.
The author provided a consistent layout as well as utilized consistent terminology throughout the text. I also appreciate that the author included troubleshooting techniques as MS Access specific tasks were being relayed. I like the approach that the author took in explaining the idea of verbalizing the table data to make it easier for students to understand. There are plenty of other, relevant fields that could be substituted in its place. With the idea of remaining relevant, one additional modification that I would recommend for an updated version of this text would be to eliminate the reference to Gender as a Table Field. Most, if not all, of the concepts and theories covered within this book are still applicable and would be relevant today. It is not a critical concern, but something that I make a point to discern when working with my students.Īs previously stated, MS Access ages well and is mostly relevant even though this text was designed with visual aids from the 2007 version. I also noticed that the author made multiple references to the "cursor", when in fact, it should have been referred to as the "insertion point". For example, some of the Data Types that are outlined and detailed in this text are not relevant in MS Access 2019.
Although most of MS Access has remained the similar throughout the multiple upgrades between the 20 versions, there are some differences. Ideally, the text would have been updated to reflect the MS Office 2019 version. Upon review, I would recommend this book and would even consider incorporating the introductory chapters into my first-level courses while leaving the advanced chapters to my second-level students. Although the text covers Tables, Forms, and Queries, it does not touch upon Reports, which I would have found helpful, even as a brief reference. The author elaborates on theories and approaches to new concepts in a relatable manner that is easy to follow. Pre-build, introductory databases are available as support material for the exercises (where applicable). Newly introduced concepts are followed by hands-on examples that reinforce the knowledge being conveyed.
#Hate it or love it instrumental software
Given that this textbook was designed for second-level students, with no intended prerequisite, the level of detail that is included to familiarize the students with the MS Access software is well detailed and appropriate. This text provides a reasonably comprehensive review of relational database principles using Microsoft Access. Reviewed by Rose Ferro, Associate Professor in Computer Information Systems, Bristol Community College on 6/11/20 Journalism, Media Studies & Communications.