Technology in education : An analysis of preservice teachers’ experiences, perceived confidence and perspectives on technology use

Author's Biography

Sheri Deaton Dr Sheri Deaton is a Career and Technical Education Teaching Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. She is a Nationally Board-certified teacher with over two decades of experience including teaching middle school, high school and collegiate-level courses. Sheri instructs, mentors and supervises Career and Technical Education teacher candidates, while also providing content courses for Family and Consumer Science Education students. Sheri frequently presents research at the Association for Career & Technical Educators (ACTE) conferences and was a 2021 National Finalist for the Post-Secondary Teacher Educator of the Year.

Betsy Orr Dr Betsy Orr serves as an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Arkansas. She also mentors business technology education students. Betsy is responsible for the Introduction to Technology Education courses in the College of Education and Health Professions. Betsy’s extensive contributions to the field of education are evidenced by her numerous published articles and presentations on the topics of online education, teacher education and technology education. She has also served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Betsy teaches courses in business technology education and technology education.

Emily Lawler teaches business and marketing at Don Tyson School of Innovation to students in grades 6–12. She serves as the school’s DECA adviser as well as the facilitator of the student-ran school store, The Hylton Hangout. Emily completed her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in business technology education at the University of Arkansas in 2023 and completed her undergraduate degree in Marketing Management from Western Governors University in 2021. During this time, Emily worked for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at the University where she supported marketing and purchasing efforts for the programme. Outside of work, Emily serves her local community as a volunteer firefighter. In the classroom, Emily continues to incorporate technology and project-based learning to teach work-ready skills to students.

Rachael Reagan completed her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arkansas in 2023. A veteran of the food business incubation space, Rachael acted as Program Director for a shared-use incubator kitchen in Tulsa, Oklahoma, helping over 100 restaurants and CPG companies launch their business. In 2016, Rachael earned an MLA in Gastronomy and a culinary certificate from Boston University. Rachael currently serves as the Program Manager for Apple Seeds, a non-profit teaching farm located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In her role, Rachael oversees and executes school-based programs for elementary and middle school students.