An Exploration into Technology Enhanced Learning for Large Cohorts of Apparel Students

Abstract

In attempting to balance student satisfaction, individual expectations and the need to produce industry-ready graduates, with the increase in student numbers, a new strategy for teaching and learning was explored within the advanced apparel curriculum. An active learning strategy (enquiry-based learning) using an operational framework was developed and implemented which incorporated blending learning strategies, including the use of an e-forum. This study investigated the effect of e-forums in relation to enhanced student learning and increased student satisfaction within a large cohort of apparel students. Through a combination of content analysis, student satisfaction surveys and tutor reflective practice, overwhelming evidence was found to support the hypothesis that e-forums and continuous e-feedback embedded into units designed for large cohorts of apparel students significantly increased student satisfaction. The findings from this study illustrated that e-forums, with the opportunity for continuous feedback, enhanced learning and engagement, improved team communication, and developed the life skills required for apparel-industry-ready practitioners/graduates. Further to this embedding, an e-forum was found to increase tutor awareness and be an effective mechanism for identifying bottlenecks within the curriculum design and delivery.