Dr Shirley Atkinson

About me:

Dr Shirley Atkinson holds two roles, one is the Faculty Director of Data Science and AI Education, the other is the Director of Education for the Operations and Analytics (O&A) team in the University of Exeter Business School. She delivers on two modules with the theme of python coding and database development. Her focus is on supporting colleagues in the team in developing excellent teaching in analytics and coding both within the O&A department and across the faculty.

Prior to joining the University of Exeter Business School, Shirley Atkinson lectured for approximately 15 years at the University of Plymouth. Before entering academia Shirley worked as a database and software developer from 1992 through to starting her teaching as a post-doc in 2005. Shirley has been teaching databases and coding since 2005 and delivers content using Microsoft SQL Server, Docker, C#, JavaScript and other coding languages. She has led modules on API database development, web development and project management

Dr Shirley Atkinson held the role of Associate Head of Computing at the University of Plymouth for 4 years, leading a small team to improve student satisfaction scores and a complete revamp of the computing curriculum leading to successful BCS Accreditation.

Shirley is a Senior Fellow of the HEA and has led the Computing At School (CAS) South West Regional centre along with the Regional Delivery Partner for the National Computing Centre for Education (NCCE)

Interests:

• Pedagogy for programming
• Supporting CAS Master Teachers in the community
• Early years role models in educating for safe behaviours online
• Involved in e-safety for young people with a special focus on peer education.
• Protecting individuals online
• Privacy within all forms of internet mediated communications
• Impact of technology on Domestic Abuse Survivors and Teenagers
• Involved in introducing girls to computing and debunking some of the stereotypes surrounding the IT industry