Working with Newer Data Management Technologies

Data management technologies are changing rapidly and this presents a significant challenge for database teaching. There is a requirement to teach traditional relational database concepts and to ensure that students are equipped with the advanced skills expected by employers. There is also a requirement to prepare students to work with newer data models and NoSQL and to understand and be able to leverage concepts such as Big Data analytics. This paper discusses the experience of working with MongoDB and MapReduce and starting to work with Hadoop in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at Staffordshire University. It is suggested that while the amount of time that
can be given to newer technologies in the undergraduate curriculum is limited, this is a subject area which has the power to capture students’ imaginations and provides a good basis for undergraduate projects and Masters level dissertations.