Title

Virtual guest speakers in fashion courses: Student experiences and expectations

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This paper focuses on the findings related to the second part of a continuing study of student impressions of the industry guest speaker experience in college fashion courses: student perceptions of virtual guest speakers. Data from 130 participants who were enrolled in the researchers’ textile and apparel classes at two United States universities were analyzed. Findings suggested that although there are disadvantages to the use of virtual industry guest visits, many students find them useful and enlightening. While respondents overall preferred in-person visits, student concern with technological issues seems to have lessened during the forced move to online coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have come to realize that the online medium, especially through the “chat” functionality found in videoconferencing platforms, can be an effective way to ask questions. Suggestions are made for instructors considering the use of the virtual medium for industry speaker visits.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/0887302X221075765

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Citation/Publisher Attribution

Jablon-Roberts, S., and McCracken, A. (2022). Virtual guest speakers in fashion courses: Student experiences and expectations. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0887302X221075765

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