Approaches to teaching computer-aided design (CAD) to fashion and textiles students

This chapter aims to review the current pedagogic approach including constructivism, problem-based learning, experiential learning and global-scope learning in teaching computer-aided design (CAD) to fashion and textiles students. The historical development and challenge to each pedagogic approach are addressed. The main challenges include rapid changes of industry needs and wants, rapid changes of computer technology, global working environment for fashion and textiles, and non-standardization of jargons used in fashion and textiles. Comparison of each pedagogic approach in terms of principles, learning outcomes, materials/technology required, role of teacher, and assessment method has been made. Through such comparison and case studies in two various academic environments, three areas of improvement on pedagogic approach are proposed.