The ChallengeReimagining education delivery
Image provided by Istanbul Okan University
Istanbul Okan University has always been committed to bridging the gap between academia and real-world practice, but the rapid evolution of student needs, alongside unexpected events like the COVID-19 pandemic and severe weather conditions, created urgent pressure to scale its digital learning infrastructure. “The challenge was to dramatically scale up online education in a severely compressed time frame, and to do so with minimal disruptions. And it was successful,” says Dr. Emel Koç, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences-Computer Engineering Department and Director of the Learning Application and Research Center at Okan University.
These challenges demanded more than just a temporary solution. “We needed a teaching and learning environment that was agile, inclusive, and engaging, especially as we transitioned into hybrid and online formats,” Emel adds. With nearly 30% of its students in online-supported programs and over 3,000 students in fully online formats, the university recognized that digital continuity shouldn’t be approached as a stopgap, but instead that it was essential to their long-term academic strategy.
The SolutionReinventing hybrid learning with seamless LMS integration
Image provided by Istanbul Okan University
To support a flexible, resilient, and student-centered approach to education, Istanbul Okan University implemented Class across its digital learning ecosystem. “Class provides the virtual classroom solution designed for a better learning experience,” explains Emel. Integrated directly with the university’s LMS, Class allowed instructors to schedule sessions, sync rosters, and manage content seamlessly. “Courses transferred in the LMS to the Student Information System are automatically imported into Class. This opportunity reduces manual effort and ensures accuracy.”
The features Class offered transformed the learning experience. “Breakout rooms with instructor oversight, real-time engagement tools, polling, whiteboards—all of these helped us move beyond passive learning,” she notes. Instructors used the virtual seating chart to monitor participation, while post-class analytics provided deeper insight into student engagement. “Virtual classrooms, when designed for engagement, not just delivery, transform learning from passive consumption to active, personalized, and connected experiences,” says Emel.
Built-in engagement tools
Built-in engagement tools 
“Class provides tools like polling, breakout rooms, and discussion threads, which help transform learning from passive consumption to active, engaging experiences,” shares Emel.
Real-time feedback and visibility
Real-time feedback and visibility 
“With features like the virtual seating chart, hand raises, and emoji reactions, instructors can monitor engagement in real-time and make instructional decisions on the fly,” explains Emel.
Streamlined integration with LMS
Streamlined integration with LMS 
“We integrated Class into our LMS so instructors can manage sessions, assignments, and grades all from one place. Rosters sync in real time, reducing manual effort and ensuring accuracy,” says Emel.
Support and continuous improvement
Support and continuous improvement “Support from Class has been proactive, personalized, and genuinely invested in our success as a university. It’s helped us not only manage virtual learning, but elevate it,” notes Emel.
The ResultRedefining education through technological innovation
Image provided by Istanbul Okan University
By leveraging Class, Istanbul Okan University not only ensured educational continuity during emergencies but also elevated the everyday learning experience for students and faculty alike. “Thanks to our proactive planning and robust digital infrastructure, the university was able to maintain academic continuity, safeguard learning outcomes, and support both students and staff during a time of uncertainty,” says Emel.
Istanbul Okan University demonstrated the strength of its digital infrastructure when seismic activity prompted a temporary suspension of on-campus education. In response to the heightened regional earthquake risk, the university swiftly transitioned all classes to live online sessions via Class, completing the shift within hours. This seamless move ensured instructional continuity without compromising safety. With Class’s flexibility and scalability, over 95% of scheduled courses proceeded without interruption, underscoring the university’s resilience and its commitment to maintaining academic excellence in the face of crisis.
Beyond resilience, the university saw cultural and operational benefits. “Class enhances student experience and engagement through personalization, expanded access, active tools, and continuous mentorship,” Emel shares. For faculty, Class offered “a structured, intuitive, and pedagogically aligned environment,” supporting hybrid teaching models and real-time feedback. The digital transformation also advanced Istanbul Okan’s long-term goals: “Online learning is the future. In time, it will undoubtedly replace land-based learning entirely,” Emel predicts. “Our instructors believe blended learning will become the key pedagogy.”
With Class, Istanbul Okan University:
Increased student access and inclusion
“Class enables equity in participation with tools like closed captions and mobile access, more students can engage, regardless of location or device,” says Emel.
Empowered faculty with confidence
“Class creates a teaching-centric virtual environment and supports hybrid and flipped models, so faculty feel more confident and connected with students,” boasts Emel.
Established future-ready learning culture
“Online learning is the future. It scales flexibility and personalization. Class helps us prepare students and faculty for a modern, digital-first world,” celebrates Emel.
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