Journal of Information Systems Education (JISE)

Volume 34

Volume 34, Issue 1, Pages 32-40

Winter 2023


Teaching Tip
Teaching NoSQL Databases in a Database Course for Business Students


Hai Wang
Saint Mary’s University
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, Canada

Shouhong Wang
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA

Abstract: NoSQL databases have been used in organizations for decades. Few database textbooks on the market, however, have suitable materials about NoSQL beyond general introductions for typical business students. In fact, users of the typical NoSQL systems on the software market need to have certain computer programming skills. This teaching tip introduces a small unit on NoSQL databases in a traditional database course for students in all business majors. The unit uses a Microsoft Excel-based NoSQL database example to explain the basis of NoSQL, describes the four essential types of NoSQL databases, and discusses representative NoSQL database management systems on the software market. As this unit does not require computer programming skills, it can be easily integrated into an existing relational database course for business students. The unit was tested twice. Students have demonstrated positive first-hand practice experiences of NoSQL beyond general concepts of NoSQL.

Keywords: NoSQL, Database design & development, Relational database, Excel

Download This Article: JISE2023v34n1pp32-40.pdf


Recommended Citation: Wang, H., & Wang, S. (2023). Teaching Tip: Teaching NoSQL Databases in a Database Course for Business Students. Journal of Information Systems Education, 34(1), 32-40.