Abstract: In the absence of a well-established data modeling standard, the best practice in information systems education is to teach both ERD modeling and UML data modeling. The justification for this position is the lack of inherent advantages of either approach, the importance of training students for existing practice, and the low prospects for future establishment of a unifying standard. To minimize student confusion, ERD data modeling and UML data modeling should be taught in separate courses. In teaching both approaches, the goals should be precise usage of notation, exploration of alternative designs, and recognition of design errors as well as the difficulty of capturing data requirements in unstructured business situations.

Keywords: Entity relationship diagram (ERD), Unified modeling language (UML), CASE tools, Design errors, Design transformations

Download this article: JISE - Volume 17 Number 1, Page 27.pdf

Recommended Citation: Mannino, M. (2006). Notation Usage in Data Modeling Education. Journal of Information Systems Education, 17(1), 27-28.