Pedagogy and Professional Development

Being Real About Teaching Virtual: Comparing Academic and Industry Views on Technology Integration and Skill Development

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits and challenges of the decision to adopt new 3D virtual technologies from the perspective of faculty who teach in apparel programs and to compare faculty perspectives with those of industry professionals who are in a position to hire apparel program graduates. Data were collected with faculty via an online questionnaire and through virtual interviews with 15 industry professionals who work at apparel and retail companies. Findings of the study illustrate that while there are areas of overlap in terms of faculty and industry perspectives, especially the need for students to learn 3D and virtual technologies and the relatively high costs involved in doing so, there are also some differences, including the kinds of skills that should be developed. Further study can help to better align the goals of industry for hiring new graduates with the resources available to apparel programs to support such technologies.

Keywords: virtual, 3D, skill development, pedagogy, apparel industry

How to Cite:

Hodges, N., Watchravesringkan, K., Yan, R. (., Chang, H. J., Maurno, C., Tarzian, J. & Rakib, N., (2022) “Being Real About Teaching Virtual: Comparing Academic and Industry Views on Technology Integration and Skill Development”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13505