Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education

Exploring Factors Influencing the Acceptance of Dry Lab Technologies in Ghanaian Senior High Schools: IPMA insights on the influence of Technology Familiarity

Andrews Yirenkyi Kwame Agyemang 1 2 *
1 St Joseph College of Education, Bechem – Ghana2 Department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Educational Studies, College of Art and Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Kumasi.* Corresponding Author
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Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Volume 8, Issue SI, June 2025, pp. 103-134
OPEN ACCESS VIEWS: 275 DOWNLOADS: 137 Publication date: 15 Jun 2025
ABSTRACT
Dry labs are becoming increasingly vital for enhancing practical understanding in educational settings, particularly in resource-constrained environments. This study investigated the impact of dry labs on the conceptual understanding of practical chemistry among students in three (3) Category C Senior High Schools in Ghana. This study employed a mixed-methods approach. A total of 135 students participated and were selected through purposive and census sampling methods. The results indicate that dry labs significantly enhance students' understanding of practical chemistry concepts, with performance expectancy, computer familiarity, and social influence playing crucial roles in predicting behavioural intention and actual usage. Resistance to change was found to negatively impact acceptance, whereas gender had no significant effect. The Importance Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) further highlights the influential constructs guiding technology adoption. These findings underscore the importance of addressing resistance to change and leveraging social influence to improve the adoption of dry labs. These insights offer valuable implications for policymakers and educators seeking to integrate virtual labs into the chemistry curriculum in Ghana.
KEYWORDS
dry lab, technology acceptance, practical chemistry
CITATION (APA)
Agyemang, A. Y. K. (2025). Exploring Factors Influencing the Acceptance of Dry Lab Technologies in Ghanaian Senior High Schools: IPMA insights on the influence of Technology Familiarity. Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 8(SI), 103-134. https://doi.org/10.31756/jrsmte.415SI
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