We aimed to develop a comprehensive framework of courses designed to meet the needs of bachelor’s and master’s programs at partner universities. The content was collaboratively created in English and later translated into the languages of the four partner HEIs. It was made accessible on the Moodle platform to ensure inclusivity and availability for a wide audience. Our objectives included enhancing the digital readiness of teachers, staff, and students to optimize the use of online educational platforms. We sought to break language barriers among students from partner universities, fostering cooperation, knowledge sharing, and improved student mobility across partner countries. Another key goal was to increase interaction between partner universities, researchers, and students through the Moodle platform, while also improving course management by implementing blended learning. This approach aimed to reduce the workload of staff for practical sessions. Additionally, we focused on sharing best practices among partners to develop and optimize digital tools, enhancing the educational experiences of students.
Clothing studies were traditionally taught in various higher education institutions (HEIs) across Europe in native languages, limiting accessibility and global relevance. With the increasingly international nature of the textile and clothing supply chain, it became essential to address these challenges and elevate the field to a global standard. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the need for innovation in education, driving a shift from conventional classroom-based learning to digital solutions that cater to diverse audiences. The E-DRESS partnership was formed to address these needs by fostering collaboration among HEIs, combining expertise, and jointly developing modernized course content for clothing studies programs. The objective was to create high-quality educational resources, translate them into partner languages, and make them accessible on an open-source Moodle platform, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. Additionally, the project aimed to enhance the digital readiness of teachers, staff, and students, equipping them to effectively utilize online educational platforms. This initiative addressed the immediate need for digital transformation while ensuring the long-term global applicability of clothing studies.