Networking With Industry Partners, Experiential Learning, and Teamwork: Engaging and Preparing Students Across Modalities

Abstract

This case study assesses a course re-designed to scaffold a semester-long networking opportunity and experiential learning project. The course occurred online twice using Microsoft Teams in the spring and fall of 2021 and later in person once in the spring of 2023. I present quantitative student course evaluation data from all three semesters and compare them to the department, school, and university. I also address open comments from students, pedagogy, media coverage, and our fashion industry partner's perspective. Findings suggest that the course design was successful across modalities. Students rated the course highly compared to others on campus, even while online, and ratings improved over time. Student comments praised the course for offering valuable career preparation. Our industry partner also derived professional and personal value by interacting with and mentoring students. The case study concludes by encouraging educators to implement experiential learning in any modality, offering guidance, and addressing obstacles.