Toward a large-scale open learning system for data management

Abstract

This paper describes ClassDB, a free and open source system to enable large-scale learning of data management. ClassDB is different from existing solutions in that the same system supports a wide range of data-management topics from introductory SQL to advanced "native analytics" where code in SQL and non-SQL languages (Python and R) run inside a database management system. Each student/team maintains their own sandbox which instructors can read and provide feedback. Both students and instructors can review activity logs to analyze progress and determine future course of action. ClassDB is currently in its second pilot and is scheduled for a larger trial later this year. After the trials, ClassDB will be made available to about 4,000 students in the university system, which comprises four universities and 12 community colleges. ClassDB is built in collaboration with students employing modern DevOps processes. Its source code and documentation are available in a public GitHub repository. ClassDB is work in progress.