What is LTI?

The Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard is a series of specifications of a standard published by the 1EdTech Learning Consortium. The LTI standard provides a method for applications to integrate with learning management systems (LMSs).

What is LTI integration?

LTI integration refers to a product that uses the LTI standard to connect to an LTI-compliant learning platform, often an LMS. A product’s level of integration depends on which LTI specification it complies with. Typically, when a user launches a course in their LMS, LTI-integrated products can automatically sign in users. This process is called LTI launch. LTI products may read user profiles (e.g. see if a user is a teacher or a student) and send grades back to the user's gradebook.

What are the different versions of the LTI Standard?

The most recent, supported version of the LTI standard is the LTI 1.3 specification with LTI Advantage services. The LTI 1.3 specification is an evolution from the LTI 1.0 and LTI 1.1 specifications. The LTI 1.3 specification is the security framework for LTI-compliant products. LTI Advantage services provide additional integrated functionality. LMSs that support the following public LTI Advantage services are deemed LTI Advantage Complete:

  • Names and Roles Provisioning,
  • Assignment and Grade Services, and
  • Deep Linking.

Who supports the LTI standard?

Below is a list of major LMSs and the most recent version of LTI they support.

Absent from the list are Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams. Google does have an assignments app that allows teachers to create self-made, LTI 1.1-specification-compliant assessments. Microsoft plans to release LTI-compliant apps for Canvas and Blackboard Learn Ultra. These apps will allow the end-user to integrate OneDrive, Team Meetings, and Class Teams with the user’s existing LMS.

Interested in LTI?

Read these other articles we've written on integrating with the LTI standard.

If you’re looking for a partner to guide you through integrating with the LTI standard, then let’s introduce ourselves. We’re Edlink!