SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
SDG 4.3.1. Public resources
Istanbul Okan University provides free access to educational resources for those not studying at the university. These resources include access to the seminars, and workshops, as well as opportunities to attend certain lectures. By offering these resources to the wider community, the university aims to support lifelong learning and contribute to the educational development of individuals beyond its student body.
OKSEM (Okan University Continuing Education Centre) is a dedicated unit of Istanbul Okan University that provides a range of educational and professional development programs for individuals and organizations. OKSEM’s mission is to promote lifelong learning by offering courses, workshops, and certificate programs that are accessible to both students and the broader community.
The centre focuses on enhancing skills, supporting career advancement, and meeting the educational needs of various sectors. OKSEM’s programs cover a diverse range of topics, including leadership, management, language learning, technology, and vocational training. These courses are designed for professionals seeking to upskill, individuals exploring new career paths, and organizations looking for tailored training solutions.
By collaborating with industry experts and leveraging the university’s academic resources, OKSEM aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills, contributing to the personal and professional growth of its participants. Through its wide array of educational offerings, OKSEM plays a vital role in extending the university’s impact beyond its campus and fostering community engagement and development.
SDG 4.3.2. Public events
Istanbul Okan University hosts events that are open to the general public, such as public lectures, community educational events, and workshops. These events aim to engage the wider community, share knowledge, and foster a culture of learning and dialogue on various topics. The university is committed to serving as a hub for education and community interaction.
SDG 4.3.3. Vocational training events
Istanbul Okan University hosts educational events that are open to the general public, including executive education programs and vocational training courses. These short courses are designed for individuals who are not enrolled at the university and aim to enhance professional skills, support career development, and provide practical training in various fields. By offering these programs, the university contributes to lifelong learning and professional development within the community.
Training of Educators Faculty Support Program
The most important component of quality indicators in higher education is enhancing the teaching competence of academic staff and understanding the needs of both faculty members and university students in the learning process. By analysing these needs, the Training of Educators Faculty Support Program has been implemented at Istanbul Okan University as a program spanning an academic year to support faculty members in developing teaching competence and acquiring teaching leadership skills, potentially serving as a model for all universities. This Faculty Support Program has been developed by Prof. Dr. Aytaç Göğüş, an expert in Instructional Design, Development, and Assessment, and is conducted under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Mithat Kıyak, the Chair of the University Quality Commission and Vice Rector, with the support of all faculties.
The goal of the Training of Educators Faculty Support Program is to establish a learning committee with faculty members from different disciplines to enable academics to carry out their teaching and learning processes more effectively. The key outcomes of the program include:
Who Can Participate and How Is the Program Conducted?
The program is conducted with a fixed group of voluntary faculty members, covering an academic year with a total of 16 sessions held bi-monthly. Additionally, all sessions, materials, and resources used in the program are shared on the O’Learn learning platform, accessible to participants. In the 2020-2021 academic year, during the program's design phase, a survey was conducted with voluntary faculty members to perform a needs analysis for the support program aimed at enhancing teaching competence. This analysis was complemented by group discussions and meetings with quality commission members and deans to identify and address the needs between the current conditions and the desired conditions. The design of the program, the revision of the program content based on the needs analysis, the implementation of the program, and the evaluation processes post-implementation have been overseen by Prof. Dr. Aytaç Göğüş.
The program was implemented as a one-year initiative and is being revitalized in subsequent academic years with different group members. Academics who actively participate in the program are awarded a participation certificate at the end. For future years, it is planned to continue this program with different faculty members, expecting each faculty to select at least one voluntary representative as a "teaching leader," who will be a permanent participant in the program for a year and lead improvements in teaching environments within their respective faculties or departments.
SDG 4.3.4. Education outreach activities beyond campus
Istanbul Okan University undertakes educational outreach activities beyond campus, including tailored lectures, demonstrations, and workshops in local schools and the community. The university also supports voluntary student-run schemes that aim to share knowledge and promote learning outside the university. These initiatives are part of the university’s commitment to contributing to the educational development of the broader community.
As an example, our faculty members from the Faculty of Dentistry, Dr. Merve YILDIRAK and Dr. Elif YAZAN, met with the students of Tuzla Dünya’nın Neşesi Kindergarten as part of Oral and Dental Health Week activities. During the event, our instructors explained why and how to brush teeth using dental models, educational cartoons, and songs in an interactive manner, aiming to raise awareness of oral health at an early age. This activity, which the preschool students watched with interest and actively participated in by asking questions, highlighted the importance of the topic. The students gained knowledge while having fun and listening to songs.
TogetHER - GDSC Solution Challenge 2024
The purpose of this project is to address one of the fundamental challenges faced by women in the technology industry: the feeling of professional isolation. The TogetHER platform aims to mitigate this sense of isolation by providing guidance and support through experienced mentors. The application seeks to create a network of support and collaboration, ensuring women do not feel alone in their professional journeys. Developed using Firebase, Google Cloud, and Flutter technologies, this mobile application offers a cross-platform experience accessible on both iOS and Android devices. TogetHER aims to enhance gender equality in the tech industry, thereby fostering innovation and creativity.
SDG 4.3.5. Lifelong learning access policy
Istanbul Okan University has a policy that ensures access to its activities is open to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, immigration status, or gender. The university is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to participate in educational and community initiatives. This policy reflects the university’s dedication to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
Istanbul Okan University Continuing Education Centre (OKSEM) Regulation
