CS x265 students:
You can use Jennifer Widom’s Self Paced Database (mini-)courses (WSPDB) — free, open, and online — as a primary database reference reference. You have the option of registering for each of the mini-courses, or you can use them in an unregistered and completely anonymous mode.
IF YOU REGISTER for a mini-course then you are eligible to receive statements of accomplishment (SoA) for each of the 14 mini-courses (except the first). An SoA is like a badge — it does not carry academic credit, but is nonetheless notable. They are appropriate for resumes and Linked In profiles.
An example SoA. You can only receive SoAs if you register for the corresponding online mini-course. SoAs do not contribute to CS x265 grades.
If you register for a WSPDB account, you will be asked to provide your first and last name, an email address, and a public identifier. The Terms of Service and Privacy Policy of Stanford|Online promise that your name and email will not be publicly revealed, but they may be seen by approved researchers in their analysis of the course data. I’ve revealed my name and email, and feel comfortable that it will be kept private, but if you do NOT want to provide your name and email (personally identifiable information), then you can use the materials in an unregistered (“explore”) mode. You will NOT be eligible for statements of accomplishments if you go the unregistered route, but it will allow you to advance in CS x265.
If you register for an online module then you will be able to read and post to the discussion forum for that minicourse. People who are unaffiliated with Vanderbilt will be taking the WSPDB as well, and if you post to the online forums of WSPDB, your public identifier will be associated with your post. If you think you may want to post to WSPDB, but do NOT want to be identified, then when (and if) you register, choose a public identifier that does not identify you (e.g., “CoolCat1”) when you create an account on the Stanford|Online platform. My public identifier DOES identify me, and I plan to use the mini-course forums.
Importantly, use the WSPDB discussion forums for WSPDB material only (not for material that is specific to Vanderbilt CS x265). You can always use the Blackboard Discussion forum for CS x265 for any and all questions.
It never hurts to email me if and when you post to one of the discussion forums.