The Database tool within LEO can be used for the purposes of both summative and formative assessment. The Database activity is integrated with the LEO Gradebook, meaning marks that you assign to Database entries can be calculated and made available to your students via the Gradebook.

Databases also have a 'rating' capability, whereby staff and/or students are able to give a 'rating' to entries added to the Databases. In this way the Database can provide a simple form of peer-assessment, giving the student an indication of their understanding of concepts, or feedback on their projects or ideas. The grade given to students can be an average of the ratings, count of ratings, maximum of ratings, minimum ratings, or the sum of all the ratings given.

The Database activity is also integrated with Mahara, meaning students are able to export their own entries into ACU's ePortfolio tool. An ePortfolio can be used for the purposes of assessment.

• For more about Mahara please see our LEO Guide: ePortfolio

The key feature of the Database activity is its versatility. You have the ability to define the fields and parameters of your Database to make it look and function in a way that suits your needs.

At its most basic, a Database can function as a searchable repository of content (as seen in the example available under the 'Case studies' heading below). Used to its full capacity, the Database tool can provide a space for your students to comment on each other's work, upload content, make their own contributions which can be accessed by their peers, and provide peer-assessment.

The main benefit of the LEO Database tool is the flexibility it affords. You are able to add templates which will dictate how the interface will look and function, enable comments and ratings on entries, and add a variety of 'fields' including checkboxes, radio buttons, pictures, and text input. You can search Database entries via keywords, and other parameters such as author surname. Entries can be exported as a CSV file, SF file, or a ZIP file, and imported as a CSV or ZIP file.

The benefits of the Database tool must be balanced with the challenges it affords. A versatile tool such as the Database requires a lot of planning, and takes multiple stages to set up. When used collaboratively with students as authors the Database also requires ongoing engagement and vetting of entries.

How to set up a Database

How to add an entry to a Database

How to approve a Database entry for publishing

Moodle Buzz

The Moodle Buzz is an example of how the Database activity can be used. In this instance it is used to curate news and publications pertaining to the Moodle platform.

The content is made up of links, which are categorised by 'Type' (e.g. web article, Report, Audio/Video) and each has a brief summary.

There are a number of search parameters available for this Database activity, including by Title, Author, Format or type, and Language.