Technology Integration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): The Role of the Art Teacher

The quality of teaching and learning across all TVET disciplines can be enhanced by promoting technology-inclusive TVET. Using the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) model, this study examines the interrelationships between the knowledge required by art teachers to effectively integrate technology in teaching at the TVET level. The study assumed that quality TVET practices could be achieved if TVET teachers had a solid understanding of their subject matter, pedagogical procedures and knowledge about employing technological tools. This research used a quantitative data approach and adopted a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis technique to measure the path coefficients of direct or indirect influence between exogenous and endogenous variables. A quantitative survey instrument based on the TPACK model was adopted to collect data from 152 art teachers sampled across various public educational institutions in Ghana. Data analysis was performed with SPSS and SmartPLS using an online data collection procedure. The study demonstrates a significant relationship between art teachers’ knowledge and how much technology can be integrated with TVET. The following mechanisms were revealed: the mastery of technological tools, technologically driven instructional approaches, and a teacher's technical knowledge and abilities as the fundamental mechanisms required to foster efficient skill development at the TVET level. This implies that educators, training institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders in the TVET ecosystem should pay special attention to these mechanisms to strengthen the teaching and learning delivery of TVET

Public Perception About Reusable Packages

The purpose of this research is to examine the publics’ perception of reusable packages and to find out whether the reuse of packages is a better alternative to solving the problem of package waste management disposal in Ghana. The qualitative research method was employed where 540 was the target population with 100 being the accessible samples. Data collection procedures used were questionnaires and observations. The main findings of the study were that the majority of respondents (96%) affirm having some awareness and experiences with regards to reusable packages. Unfortunately, 88% of the respondents do not think that the packages currently available in the market are designed to be reusable. The commonest types of packaging available in the market are disposables packages. This is the reason why most respondents would likely discard packages without considering reusability. The conclusion drawn from the study was that reusable packages have been proven as a better alternative to solving the problem of package waste disposal in our communities and cities. It was therefore recommended that the Environmental Protection Agency in Ghana with support from other key stakeholders should effectively propagate the concept of reusable packages as a better alternative to other forms of package waste management disposal for Ghana. Keywords: Packaging, Perception, Reuse, Reusable, Recycling, Waste. DOI: 10.7176/ADS/79-07 Publication date: December 31st 201

Portable T-Shirt Printing Machine

T-shirt printing is one of the occupations of the youth in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Various methods of printing such as dye sublimation, heat transfer and screen printing are employed to print t-shirts in Ghana. However, screen printing is the most popular method in Ghana. It is easy to use and less expensive. Despite the fact that the screen printing method is the most preferred in Ghana, its processes come with challenges. The printing process is slow and the products that are churned out are of low quality. And in order to minimise the problems that local printers encounter during screen printing, the “Portable T-shirt Printing Machine” has been developed. The machine which is manually operated comes with an adjustable squeegee, leather padded table, an adjustable metallic frame which holds the screen during printing and a magnetic holder which holds the frame taut during printing without the help of a second person. The squeegee can be moved manually by the help of a bearing and a hollow pipe. The squeegee blade which is made of rubber can easily be removed and washed after each printing session. The Portable T-shirt Printing Machine which is 75cm long, 45cm wide and 12cm high can be carried easily and printing can be done anywhere whether there is electricity or not. The adjustable metallic frame which holds the frame can be adjusted to suit any screen size; ranging from (40 cm by 40cm) to (15cm by 15m) or even smaller screens. The research design adopted for the study is the qualitative (descriptive) approach. The sample population for the study is 108 representing 30% of the target population. The data collecting instruments used were interview, observation and questionnaire. The main findings of the study were that, the speed of the traditional screen printing process can be increased when a machine is developed. Also, the fastness and efficiency of the t-shirt printing process have a direct relation with the income earned. It is therefore recommended that the “Portable T-shirt Printing Machine” is adopted by the local printers to enhance their occupation.  It is also recommended that the metal parts of the machine are oiled regularly to prevent friction and rusting. Furthermore, a challenge is thrown to prospective researchers to conduct a research into the automation of the “Portable T-shirt Printing Machine” so as to increase its speed. Keywords: Squeegee, Sublimation, T-shirt, Heat Transfer, Screen Printing and Portable