Development and Evaluation of an Addressable Fire Alarm System Trainer: Advancing Quality Education in Emergency Response Training (SDG 4)

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate the acceptability of an addressable fire alarm system trainer designed to enhance the skills and preparedness of emergency responders and training institutions, thereby contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – Quality Education.   Theoretical Framework: This research is grounded in experiential learning theories which emphasize the value of hands-on experiences for comprehension and skill acquisition. Studies by Esu et al. (2016) and Taupa (2017) underscore the significance of resource availability in technology education, particularly in emergency response training.   Method: A descriptive research design was employed to assess the trainer’s acceptability. The study involved the design and construction of the addressable fire alarm system trainer and utilized expert evaluations for data collection on usefulness, effectiveness, functionality, safety, and social acceptability.   Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that the trainer received high acceptability ratings across all indicators, with overall means of 4.73 for usefulness and 4.84 for functionality. Experts acknowledged its potential in educational settings, underscoring the importance of integrating advanced fire safety technologies into training curricula to promote quality education (SDG 4).   Research Implications: The implications of this research emphasize the necessity of innovative training solutions in fire safety education, suggesting that the developed trainer can significantly improve instructional practices in technical education fields.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the field by delivering an innovative educational tool that addresses the gaps in training resources for fire safety systems. Its unique design and framework provide a model for similar initiatives in vocational education, highlighting the value of practical training in preparing skilled emergency responders.