| The purpose of this investigation was three-fold. It was designed to assess the degree and nature of instructional computer use in textile and clothing programs within higher education. Using the theoretical framework of innovation adoption, a second purpose was to examine the role of a range of variables as potential predictors of adoption success. The third purpose was to determine whether or not the orientation of instructional computer applications in these programs is in keeping with employer needs.; The population from which data were collected was a sample selected from the active, American, membership of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA). Data were collected using a mailed survey questionnaire. Based upon responses from 149 returned questionnaires, an additional small group representing employers of program graduates was developed. Data were collected from these firms using a telephone survey. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.; Data showed that 54% of respondents were using computers for instructional purposes. Within the context of the theoretical framework, it was determined that the majority of this group fell into the data collection phase of the adoption process and have not likely made the final adoption decision. Examination of the variables of the remaining three components of the framework; characteristics of the innovation, individuals, and environment, showed that clusters of elements were important. Specifically, faculty teaching fashion design or retailing and having fewer than twenty years of teaching experience were more likely to become involved in instructional computer applications. In addition, it was found that these activities were more likely to occur within academic colleges and departments that had either medium or large enrollments, especially when class sizes were small or medium. Additional variables influencing adoption decisions were accessibility to computer facilities, perceived educational benefits, and faculty rewards for such endeavors. Although employer needs were not clearly identified, involvement in cooperative arrangements with the industry was determined to be a valuable avenue for future curriculum development.; Recommendations for future research included additional attention to employer needs in curriculum development, technology accessibility, and the role of intrinsic and extrinsic variables in influencing adoption success. |
