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What is LTI?

The LTI specification is a common type of integration request that learning institutions ask edtech vendors to perform. LTI is a specification from 1EdTech Consortium (formerly, IMS Global Learning Consortium). Some LMS providers have different ways of implementing LTI, including some that don't support the most recent releases of the specification (LTI 1.3 and LTI Advantage specifications).

Does Google Classroom Support LTI?

Google Classroom does not support LTI 1.3 (Learning Tools Interoperability) or LTI Advantage. This has commonly frustrated digital vendors who have spent time developing LTI solutions for their clients, just to find out that learning institutions that use Google Classroom can't use their tools.

Interestingly, Google also has a product in Google for Education called Google Assignments that allows teachers to turn Google Drive documents into LTI-compatible resources. Ironically, these can't be turned into LTI resources in Google Classroom. This quirk may lead to additional confusion about Google Classroom's support for LTI.

What Other Way Can I Integrate with Google Classroom?

Fortunately, Google Classroom allows for integration through its API. With the Google Classroom API and Google SSO, edtech developers can build their product to act on behalf of authenticated users in Google Classroom. Basically, the API can be used to create new resources in Google Classroom, assign grades to students, and determine which users are part of which classes. The Google Classroom API is quite powerful but also comes with some speedbumps that can slow developers down if they’re not aware of the speedbumps ahead of time.


FAQ

What is Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is one of the tools for education offered in Google Workspace. In Google Classroom educators can create assignments, share resources, and communicate with students, while learners can access materials, submit work, and collaborate with peers.

Should my education app integrate with Google Classroom?

Yes, Google Classroom is one of the most widely adopted tools in K–12, especially in the U.S. If your app supports instruction, assignments, grading, or classroom workflows, integrating with it can be a competitive necessity.

How to integrate with Google Classroom?

Edlink simplifies the integration process for schools and developers by connecting seamlessly with Google Classroom. To learn more about how to integrate via Edlink check out our docs page here.


A beginner's guide to LTI

Check out our free eBook offers a no-fluff overview of the LTI standard, written for edtech product managers, engineers, and business leaders who want the technical context without the jargon.

A Beginner’s Guide to LTI Integrations
Understanding LTI can be tricky—especially when you’re trying to get a product into classrooms fast, without reinventing your tech stack. That’s why we put together A Beginner’s Guide to LTI Integrations [https://learn.ed.link/beginners-guide-to-lti-integrations-ebook]. This free eBook offers a no-…

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Read More on Google Classroom

Here are other articles we’ve written on Google Classroom to help you on your integration journey:

If you're looking for a partner to guide you through developing Google Classroom integrations, then let us introduce ourselves. We're Edlink!