FASHSim Lab: Learning About Cotton From Field to Virtual Fashion

The global pandemic is clearly illuminating the value and even necessity of online education and remote learning for students around the world (IIIE, 2020.) Virtual modules engage students, substituting valuable learning experiences that are not possible to recreate due to constraints on time and/or materials, or physical meeting ability, demonstrated by the pivot due to COVID. In the virtual lab, students are able to work together, applying course concepts to new situations and contexts, as well as develop data analysis skills. Common in the sciences, this novel concept embeds state-of-the art learning into the textile and apparel curriculum. In the twentieth century, a strong understanding of natural and synthetic fibers, yarn type, structure, and basic finishes was sufficient to develop apparel products. “Students are no longer instructed in textile creation and basic knowledge about cloth. Therefore, they speak of chambray-like cottons and moire-like silks since they have no clue what constructions are all about” (Edelkoort, 2014)