DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF PORTABLE CAR AIR CONDITIONING TRAINER INTEGRATED WITH A CHARGING SYSTEM

Developing effective instructional tools is vital to improving hands-on learning experiences in technical-vocational education. However, there is a lack of portable and integrated trainers that simulate both air conditioning and charging systems in the automotive context. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a Portable Car Air Conditioning Trainer integrated with a charging system as a teaching aid for students pursuing a Bachelor's in Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) major in Automotive Technology. Employing a developmental and descriptive-evaluative research design, the trainer was constructed using locally available materials and aligned with curriculum standards. A total of 60 respondents, who comprised students, instructors, and industry technicians, evaluated the trainer based on design, construction, functionality, safety, and durability using a validated questionnaire. Results showed that the trainer performed within standard cooling temperatures (21°C–27°C), pressure ranges, and voltage outputs. It received an “Excellent” rating in all evaluated aspects, with mean scores ranging from 4.90 to 4.92. Significant differences in acceptability were found among the three respondent groups, particularly from technicians who provided more critical ratings. Nonetheless, the trainer was found highly acceptable across all groups. The findings affirm the trainer’s instructional value and highlight its potential for curriculum integration. Recommendations include incorporating industry feedback, enhancing features, conducting pilot tests, and patenting the trainer to promote further educational application and industry relevance.