About the Center

MENU

Istanbul Okan University, the University of Firsts and Distinctions, established the Distance Education Center in 2009 to pioneer online education initiatives. In 2018, the center was renamed the Learning Application and Research Center to better reflect its evolving scope and mission. Founded to provide education that transcends the boundaries of time and space, the center offers vocational, undergraduate, and graduate programs and courses. Each year, the center continues to grow, both in the quality and variety of the services it provides, striving to meet the diverse needs of its learners.

Mission

  • To address the academic and technological needs of students and faculty while promoting innovative learning methodologies.
  • To enhance the quality of education by integrating learning management systems, online education programs, and diverse learning models into traditional education.
  • To design educational processes aligned with international accreditation and ranking standards, fostering sustainable academic excellence.
  • To create opportunities that encourage learner-centered and individualized learning experiences.

Vision

To play a leading role in the exponentially digitalizing educational landscape by developing student-centered and innovative learning environments and becoming a nationally and internationally recognized learning application and research center.

Core Values

  • Innovation and Technological Adaptation
  • Student-Centered Interdisciplinary Approach
  • International Standards
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Sustainability
  • Ethical Values

Central Advisory Board

  • Prof. Güner Gürsoy, Chairman of the Board of S'aide
  • Assoc. Prof. Okan Bulut, University of Alberta
  • Dr. Mithat Bülent Özmen, Istanbul Gas Distribution Industry and Trade Inc. General Manager
  • Robert Speed, Innovera Group CEO Middle East
  • Sevcan Karababa Türker, Coursera, University Partnerships Director, EMEA
  • Mustafa Güçlü, Blackboard Turkey Regional Manager
  • Joyce Partamian, Ellucian Marketing Manager, EMEA&APAC