Vic Vic Bautista

The University selected the Canvas learning management system to offer a more consistent and modern approach to digital pedagogy, improve flexibility and better management tools for lifelong learning and non-traditional learners.

Canvas’s creator, Instructure Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: INST), the industry leader in the learning ecosystem, announced today that The University of Manchester has chosen Canvas to replace its antiquated learning management system (LMS) in order to better align with the institution’s strategic objectives, which include promoting lifelong learning and increasing course accessibility and flexibility.

“This platform is aimed at improving flexibility, functionality, and capabilities for teaching and learning for all of our learners, including continuing professional development (CPD),” said Professor Danielle George, Associate Vice President Blended and Flexible Learning, The University of Manchester.  “Canvas is praised for its intuitive interface, strong support, flexibility, integration capabilities, and the ability to share content, all of which are in line with the strategic direction of the University. Adopting Canvas by Instructure as our LMS will strengthen our commitment to lifelong learning.”

The choice to move providers was made after a careful analysis and a number of usability testing of all the options. Faculty and student response was overwhelmingly that their learning management system (LMS) should be doing more to improve efficacy, efficiency, and their pedagogical approach to creating online content. Canvas courses will be launched by the university for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The University of Manchester has invested in the full suite of Instructure products for higher education, which includes: Canvas LMS, Canvas Catalog, Canvas Studio, Canvas Credentials and Impact by Instructure a tool that supports change, drives adoption and helps institutions evaluate the impact of its edtech solutions based on data and analytics. Additionally, The University of Manchester will manage the migration of its courses with Instructure’s partner, K16 Solutions, and their automated migration functionality. Using the Canvas Archiving solution, they can also move the data from their former LMS into Canvas and retain years of historical data for accreditation purposes.

“As education keeps evolving and is constantly challenged by emerging technologies, we are proud to partner with The University of Manchester to support their efforts and aim to foster a flexible and modern lifelong learning experience not only in the United Kingdom but for thousands of international students around the world,” said Daniel Hill, Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Instructure.

With 44,000 students, 12,000 faculty members, and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries, the University of Manchester is regarded as one of the UK’s most internationally diverse universities. Furthermore, it is an important collaborator in Manchester’s citywide lifelong learning program, which was recently recognized by UNESCO as a City of Lifelong Learning.

The University of Manchester is a prominent member of the Russell Group and one of the best universities in Europe.

Learn more at www.instructure.com/en-au 

• The Network announced three new investment deals facilitated through their Working Capital Facility to provide financial support to three local impact enterprises Magnus Renewable Tech Corp., Agro-Digital PH, and Suds Sustainable Pods to scale their operations.
• Impact Pioneers Network recently partnered with Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), Dungganon Bank, and a local angel investor to unlock growth capital for impact enterprises from various sectors in the Philippines.
• The Network also unveiled that early-stage impact enterprises in the Philippines can now apply for loans through the gender-smart working capital loan facility throughout the year.

In order to give three impact firms in the Philippines expansion money, Impact Pioneers Network (IPN), the nation’s first impact investing network, forged important alliances with Dungganon Bank, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), and an angel investor.

Magnus Renewable Tech Corp., Agro-Digital PH, and Suds Sustainable Pods have all benefited from these partnerships by obtaining loans without the need for collateral to help them expand. “The Network and our partners aim to accelerate sustainable development and empower communities nationwide through innovative solutions,” stated Priya Thachadi, co-founder and CEO of Villgro Philippines, one of the Network’s co-managers, “by unlocking crucial financing to impact enterprises like Magnus Renewable Tech Corp., Agro-Digital PH, and Suds Sustainable Pods.”  

Magnus Renewable Tech Corp., an enterprise focusing on solar energy solutions based in Negros Oriental, will utilize the working capital provided to increase solar energy access to communities nationwide. “The facility allows us to fund a pilot project which opens up a huge opportunity for Magnus,” said Karl Ivan Estadola, CEO and Co-Founder of Magnus Renewable Tech Corp.

Agro-Digital PH, an innovative digital platform empowering farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity, will harness the loan to advance its technology and broaden its farmer network. Agro-Digital PH CEO and Founder Henry James Sison emphasized, “The working capital loan facilitated by the Network ensures our ability to expand markets and uphold service delivery. It is a critical lifeline for our operations.”

These enterprises demonstrate the crucial role of market-driven models in addressing urgent social and climate challenges in the country. “We are excited to support growing enterprises like Agro-Digital and Magnus Renewable as they truly address relevant issues such as enhancing agricultural productivity and clean energy.  These enterprises provide real hope in the development of our country,” said Raymond Serios of Dungganon Bank, Inc. & Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Inc. “As a member of the Impact Pioneers Network, we hope to be working with similar enterprises so that we can maximize our reach and ensure that more and more Filipinos benefit from the work of these social enterprises.”

Suds Sustainable Pods, known for its innovative personal hygiene and household cleaning products packaged in water-soluble film, also received a working capital loan from an individual angel investor from the Network to scale up operations and further diversify its product line to lessen plastic pollution. “Their support has allowed us to allocate resources towards optimizing essential business processes that strengthen compliance and operational efficiency. This empowers us to continue expanding our reach and deliver greater value to our stakeholders.” said Jean Magboo-Yuzon, Co-Founder of Suds Sustainable Pods.

The Network, alongside its investors, shares its commitment to fostering positive social and environmental change through innovative impact investing approaches.

Economic development is also aided by impact investing. Impact investment encourages equitable opportunities and economic progress by funding companies that uplift local communities and generate jobs.

The Network highlights this important component with its gender-smart working capital facility, which is now accepting applications from early-stage impact entrepreneurs in the Philippines throughout the year. This institution will promote firms owned or run by women, offering short-term, collateral-free loans up to PHP 250,000 to those making a direct impact on the environment or society.

Please visit www.impactpioneers.ph to learn more about Impact Pioneers Network and its partners.

For its sixth iteration, New Bold University (NBU), hailed for emulating the avant-garde philosophy of Silicon Valley’s Singularity University, is returning to the forefront.

“Visionary NXT: Branding Masterclass for the Next Big Brands.” is slated to take place at The Astbury in Makati City on May 10–11, 2024. Its goal is to equip up-and-coming firms with cutting-edge marketing tactics that are crucial for dominating their respective markets. “Visionary NXT” is positioned to be a crucial conference for the upcoming generation of brand leaders as NBU keeps providing local business owners with insights from both the global and local markets.

This two-day event, which is in its sixth year, seeks to give business owners, startup founders, and marketing professionals the skills and resources they need to completely change the branding landscape. It gives attendees the tools they need to make a significant difference in their particular industries while offering practical techniques for brand success.

With the many disruptions in the marketplace, the dynamics of branding and marketing have shifted. NBU’s response to these challenges offers strategies and visionary thinking needed in today’s market. It seeks to cultivate a community of 1,000 visionary brand builders in the next two years who will lead the charge in creating disruptive and socially impactful brands.

NBU’s Founder, Ralph Layco, envisions this initiative as a pivotal moment for the branding community. “Visionary NXT represents a significant evolution from our previous masterclasses. We are not just exploring brand strategies; we are inspiring a new generation of brand pioneers who will lead the charge in driving innovation and change. They need guidance and new strategies, and most importantly, the mindset to disrupt their categories. We are here to guide and empower them,” said Layco.

Featuring a lineup of industry titans including Colourette Cosmetics CEO and NIV Della Beauty Innovations, Inc. Founder Nina Dizon, Tala by Kyla Founder Janet Kyla, Rolling Media Founder Jozelle Tech, Good Diva Marketing Founder Mariella Tiano, Agyle Brands Founder Guita Gopalan, and Noah and Eve Center and NBU Founder Ralph Layco, who are set to deliver invaluable insights into brand strategy, innovation, and growth. The group from Kaya Founders will also join the event.

Attendees may anticipate an engaging program that includes networking opportunities, coaching sessions, and workshops aimed at promoting teamwork and creativity.

The Man, The Maverick, Mink.ph, and Hiraya Pilipina brand creators spoke at a series of online brand talks staged in advance of the much-anticipated event in May in order to create the scene and spark interest.

Participants who are interested can reach out to NBU via their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newboldu.