From clunky to connected: University of the East’s switch to Canvas LMS

The University of the East (UE) is one of the largest private universities in the Philippines, with campuses in Manila and Caloocan serving tens of thousands of learners. Known for academic excellence and adaptability, UE wanted a digital learning environment that reflected its commitment to quality and flexibility.

That vision exposed the limits of its previous learning management system (LMS). Adoption was low, navigation was difficult, and downtime during peak periods undermined trust. UE’s leadership knew they needed a modern platform that could connect learners and instructors seamlessly, no matter where or how classes were delivered.

UE’s previous LMS struggled to keep pace with the university’s needs, creating daily frustrations for instructors and learners alike. Other challenges included:

• Low instructor adoption and confidence in the old LMS
• Technical bottlenecks and lack of support during disruptions
• Limited integration with institutional systems

The system’s complexity left instructors disengaged, forcing them to rely on manual processes and workarounds. Learners, meanwhile, experienced inconsistent access to materials and grades, issues that became more visible as digital delivery became core to the university’s operations.

As UE explored alternatives, the institution looked for a solution that could balance ease of use, scalability, and long-term reliability. Instructors needed a platform that encouraged confidence, not hesitation, and learners needed one that felt consistent and accessible.

UE also wanted an LMS that could reflect its organizational structure, streamline enrolment and grading, and evolve with its Flexible UE Learning (FUEL) model.

In 2018, UE introduced Canvas LMS, inviting instructors to explore digital teaching in a simpler, more dependable platform. When the pandemic forced classes fully online in 2020, those early efforts paid off: Canvas became UE’s capacity-building platform, helping hundreds of instructors transition quickly to online and hybrid delivery.

Recognizing that technology alone wouldn’t create change, the OCDI led institution-wide training and built readiness early. Workshops became collaborative spaces where instructors shared best practices, experimented in sandbox environments, and grew confident together.

“Facilitating the training for the entire semester in 2017 for all departments was a challenging tall order,” Roselle recalled. “It was also fulfilling, knowing that our instructors and I were supporting each other and learning together as we paved a new path for our institution.”

Behind the scenes, UE’s implementation team partnered with Instructure’s onboarding experts to configure Canvas for long-term success. A multi-subaccount structure mirrored UE’s academic organization, and automated processes simplified enrolment, grading, and reporting.

Canvas is now at the heart of the FUEL model, providing a unified experience across all delivery modes.

For instructors, that means:

• Faster, more consistent course creation and grading
• Reusable course materials each semester
• Streamlined feedback with SpeedGrader and rubrics

For learners, it’s:

• One place to access grades and assessments
• Seamless shifts between onsite and online learning
• Offline access for those with limited connectivity

“Whether it’s a typhoon or another event, we can move classes online quickly and keep things going,” Roselle explained.

Canvas has also strengthened UE’s outcomes-based education approach, helping instructors align assessments with learning objectives and track mastery across programs.

By the 2025–2026 academic year, UE aims to complete its digital migration across all programs, deepen analytics use to identify at-risk learners earlier, and explore Canvas expansion into K–10 levels.

“It’s important for us that no one is left behind,” Roselle said. “Canvas helps us achieve that.”

See how Canvas LMS can deliver the connected, flexible experience your learners deserve. Book a demo today.