Pedagogy and Professional Development

Understanding the Concept of Cotton Circularity Using Omnichannel Perspectives Through Experiential Learning Opportunities

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Abstract

Circularity is a concept where a product is created with its end of life going back into the supply chain, which, for apparel products, goes back to the T&A supply chain (Nicolaus, 2021). This project is designed to provide students with experiential learning opportunities to understand cotton sustainability through the lens of cotton circularity in digital commerce. Using Kold's (1984) experiential learning theory, industry panel expert and consumer interviews, hands-on projects, and other assignments were developed to support the experiential learning process. This ongoing, multi-semester project intersects three academic courses: Consumer Data Analytics, Omnichannel Retailing, and Apparel Technical Design. Through student interview from the completed Consumer Data Analytics class shows that students unanimously agreed that the class projects and assignments enhanced their understanding of cotton circularity and fashion sustainability. The project is still ongoing in the Omnichannel Retailing, and Apparel Technical Design through the end of Fall 2023.

Keywords: Sustainability, transparency, experiential learning, cotton circularity

How to Cite:

Kopot, C., McBee-Black, K. & Zhao, L., (2024) “Understanding the Concept of Cotton Circularity Using Omnichannel Perspectives Through Experiential Learning Opportunities”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17517