| This study was designed to examine the effectiveness of using computer-aided instruction (CAI) to teach sewing skills in apparel design programs and compare its efficacy to traditional classroom instruction. Data collection procedures involved using both methods of instruction, CAI and tradition classroom instruction, to teach the sewing skill of inserting a lapped zipper. Both groups were assessed for age, sewing experience, past sewing instruction, and computer skill background.; The dependent variable, quality of zipper insertion, was evaluated in light of the predictor variables of type of instruction, age, sewing experience, and computer skill background. Assessment of quality of insertion was done, with almost no variation in the outcome noted. The quality of product was high regardless of type of instruction.; The results of this study show that CAI can be successful in teaching a sewing skill. Computer-Aided instruction, in the form of a sell-designed instruction module, accomplishes effective learning of sewing skills. The small sample size should be addressed in future studies, as well as development of additional CAI modules for sewing instruction in apparel and textile programs. |
