Pedagogy and Professional Development

Developing Inclusive Activities with Technology to Stimulate Apparel Student Engagement at a Hispanic Serving Institution

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Abstract

Based on primary challenges identified across a California State University system, we used practice-based approaches to address equity gaps among Under-Represented Minority (URM) students in the Apparel major. This includes students who are of Hispanic, African American, and/or Native American backgrounds. This study is informed by Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) based on shifts in student demographics with minorities expected to be a majority. The purpose of this project was to explore how faculty can use technologies to increase student engagement, inclusivity, sense of belonging, and cultural relevance. Approaches included faculty discussions focused on implementing inclusive activities to create more equitable outcomes, specifically to increase student engagement with technology. We aimed to reach 181 students in 5 apparel courses during Spring 2024. Survey data was collected with 86 students in apparel courses. A faculty Digital Badging Pathway was developed for sustained use to address equity gaps through the university.

Keywords: inclusivity, apparel, technology, cultural relevance, equity gaps, student success

How to Cite:

Trejo, H. X., Dwyer, N., Villanueva, I. D., Min, S. & Li, Y., (2025) “Developing Inclusive Activities with Technology to Stimulate Apparel Student Engagement at a Hispanic Serving Institution”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18701