NoSQL database education: A review of models, tools and teaching methods

Abstract

NoSQL databases are essential for managing modern data-intensive applications. While SQL education is a crucial part of the software engineering and computer science curriculum, it is insufficient in addressing the rise of big data and cloud infrastructures. Despite extensive research on SQL education, there is limited exploration of NoSQL education, particularly in teaching methods and data models. This study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic literature review on NoSQL database education, aiming to assess current research, teaching practices, models, tools, scalability, and security mechanisms while offering a framework for integrating NoSQL into academic curricula. Out of 386 articles, 28 were selected for detailed analysis, focusing on NoSQL teaching methods, models, and curriculum development. Findings revealed that document-oriented and graph databases, especially MongoDB, Cassandra, and Neo4j, are the most taught. The project-based learning approach was the most common teaching method. Challenges identified include adapting to technological advancements, addressing diverse student needs, and the shift to online learning. This review contributes valuable insights into NoSQL education and offers recommendations for improving teaching practices in software engineering curricula.