RunningMan is an introductory tool for databases, presenting the topic on a conceptual level, allowing students to explore the subject through a tangible user interface more easily.
The prototype consists of different connectable blocks and an execution button used to perform queries. All the interaction with RunningMan will be visually represented on a display, showing the manipulation of data and writing the syntax of SQL. RunningMan is used in a class setting, where groups of students share the artefact. The visual part and physical statements support more intuitive learning. Using RunningMan, students will create a database for the company “SPIR A/S”, managing the data of the artisans working for the company. Through the interaction with RunningMan, different tasks support learning concepts about databases by creating tables, performing query executions, and joining the created tables.