Ms Tina Eager

I worked as a software developer on large scale data processing systems and led project teams to design and implement a range of systems. During that time, I learned a wide variety of programming languages and came to realise that while the language may change the underlying concepts and ideals do not and in fact the most important thing about software development isn't the language used but producing effective and robust solutions to problems.

I am of a generation which did not have easy access to computers in school but ever since I got to know something abut them I have been fascinated by the things people use computers to do and also by the people who become involved in computing and computing-related subjects.

I am also passionate about education, beliving that one of the the most important things we can do for ourselves and our children is to provide good education as that is the key that unlocks many opportunities.

I have now been a teacher and academic for longer than I was a software developer. I spent much of that time working in Further Education teaching from level 1 (pre-GCSE) to level 6 (HND).

My teaching has been focused on software and database design and development. I have taught almost everything from electronics to project management with the occasional foray into Plumbing and Communication Skills. My current teaching covers the academic range from Foundation to MSc and the bulk of it is in group and individual software development projects. 

I am a member of both the British Computer Society (MBCS) and Institute of Engineering Technology (MIET). I am a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). I am also a Fellow of the Society for Education and Training (FSET) and have both Certificate in Education (Cert. Ed.) and QTLS status. I was a founder member of BCSWomen and remain active in that group and in BCS Kent branch.

I currently teach the Foundation modules Working with Software and Individual Project Development and Year 1 module Group Software Lifecycle Project. In year 2 I teach the Helping Users and ITIL module. I also supervise final year projects.

I have recently attended conferences on The Future of Learning, and of the Immersive Learning Research Network.

I am passionate about the use of computers in education and in associated issues around diversity and access to computing. I have some research publications examining the reasons girls and women are under-represented in computing roles and courses in the UK and have been invited to present my work at several conferences.

I have also done some research into what it is that people understand when they think about engineering as a subject and how that understanding affects subject choice in education. I am currently undertaking research for a PhD, investigating why it is that so few girls and women take up Computing as a subject or as a career and whether there is something that can be done to change this. 

Externally I am a STEM ambassador undertaking a range of STEM related activities including attending careers fairs and talks to schools. I also work with local schools and colleges to help support their delivery of computer science.

I am involved with the national Young Coders competition and with the 2021 CCCU Babbage 150 Competition

I am a member of BCS and serve on the Kent Branch committee as Education Liaison Officer. I am also a member of BCSWomen and BCS e-learning specialist group.