Empowering Hybrid Learning Through Innovation and Simplicity at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences

Thomas More, a leading higher education institution in Belgium, has set a new benchmark for hybrid education by leveraging Zoom’s unified communications platform. Initially introduced as an emergency solution during the pandemic, Zoom has become a strategic enabler of long-term, flexible teaching practices. With a visionary approach to digital transformation, Thomas More continues to inspire other institutions across EMEA by refining hybrid classrooms and empowering educators to embrace technology with ease.

As the world shifted to remote and hybrid learning, Thomas More faced a familiar challenge: how to maintain academic excellence while navigating uncertainty and complexity. With over 1,000 staff members and a large student body, ensuring a seamless, high-quality educational experience—both online and in-person—was paramount. The institution needed a sustainable solution that would go beyond crisis response and enable innovation for the future.

Since August 2021, Thomas More has implemented a wide range of Zoom solutions, including Meetings, Team Chat, and Zoom Rooms. The centerpiece of their strategy has been the deployment of Zoom Rooms to power hybrid classrooms. These purpose-built rooms help instructors deliver engaging, high-quality lessons to students on campus and online simultaneously.

Unlike traditional setups that rely on teachers plugging in their laptops or navigating complicated AV systems, Thomas More chose to standardize and simplify. By deploying Zoom Rooms across campuses, the institution reduced the need for individual setups. Teachers simply walk into the classroom, start their session from a touch controller, and begin teaching. No extra cables, less technical delays—just intuitive, reliable technology powered by the hard- and software of Zoom Rooms.

Previously, teachers were provided with professional 24” pen displays for digital whiteboarding, but many found them too small or limited their freedom of movement. In response, the university introduced 85" touchscreens with built-in whiteboard functionality and integrated them into Zoom Room setups. These new tools allowed instructors to walk up to a digital whiteboard in the room and use it just like a traditional one—writing freely, sharing ideas, and engaging students without being tethered to a desk or device. This freedom of movement created a more natural, interactive classroom dynamic and was quickly embraced by faculty.

In addition to simplifying classroom technology, Zoom integrates seamlessly with the broader suite of digital tools used by Thomas More’s faculty. From integration with a content management system (CMS) to share lecture recordings and single sign-on to support with learning management systems (LMS), Zoom fits naturally into the teachers’ existing workflows.

This tight integration allows instructors to focus on what matters most—teaching. Classes are scheduled and launched directly from their LMS. These integrations reduce friction, enhance collaboration, and contribute to an ecosystem that supports modern pedagogical methods.

Each hybrid classroom is equipped with a Zoom Room setup that includes an all-in-one videoconferencing device and a touch controller. Teachers simply walk in, select their scheduled class on the Zoom controller, and start the session with one touch. The design helps to ensure minimal friction—there's no need to connect personal devices or adjust settings for the presentation, the Zoom Room takes over.

Instructors can share their presentation using the 85” touch screen, switch to a whiteboard functionality, or even do both via picture-in-picture. Students can engage with the teachers and their peers just like in a regular classroom, for example, by raising their (virtual) hands to ask questions. Importantly, the setup supports dual-screen configurations, so teachers can monitor both remote participants and in-room students without disruption.

What makes the implementation truly remarkable is how organically it has evolved. Teachers embraced the capabilities of the virtual systems, for example, by inviting students who were sick or traveling to join classes remotely, and creating more inclusive learning environments. In time, Thomas More even saw spontaneous use cases that weren’t mandated, like inviting guest teachers or experts to sessions, creating webinars to reach a wider audience, to using other rooms as an overflow if the available seats were not sufficient for all interested students. These spontaneous use cases weren’t mandated—they emerged naturally because the tools were accessible, reliable, and aligned with the teachers’ goals.

While many institutions returned to traditional teaching post-pandemic, Thomas More embraced hybrid teaching as a core part of its educational strategy. The IT and education teams collaborated to build trust among faculty, ensuring that hybrid technology didn’t add to their workload but instead made their lives easier.

The focus was on removing barriers and creating confidence: intuitive Zoom interfaces, minimal hardware complexity, and less dependence on technical support for daily operations. This empowerment led to high levels of teacher engagement and paved the way for innovation in pedagogy.

Thomas More has transformed hybrid learning from an emergency measure into a sustainable, scalable strategy, empowered by Zoom. Their approach highlights what’s possible when technology is designed with simplicity and user experience at its core. As a recognized voice in education innovation, Thomas More continues to shape the future of learning, one classroom at a time.