For Developers

LTI Placements Overview

Placements in Learning Management Systems are the "entry points" into a LTI (External) Tool. They determine where a LTI Tool is visible to users.

Typically, the physical manifestation of an LTI placement is a button or an iframe, depending on the LMS, the placement type, and the context in which the placement is used. For example, a placement can be a button in a course navigation menu or an iframe in a course content page. It's worth noting that the same LTI Tool can have multiple placements, each with its own unique configuration and context. Additionally, you (the developer) have some degree of control over the placement's appearance and behavior, including opening your tool in a new window or embedding it in an iframe.

Placement Types

Placements themselves are not part of the LTI-specification. They are defined by the LMS and can vary widely between different LMS platforms. However, there are some common placement types that you may encounter:

Placement TypeDescription
Course NavigationA button or link in the course navigation menu that allows users to access the LTI Tool from anywhere within the course.
Content ItemAn iframe or link that allows users to access the LTI Tool from within a specific content item in the course.
AssignmentA button or link that allows users to access the LTI Tool as part of an assignment or assessment.
GradebookA link or button that allows users to access the LTI Tool from the gradebook or assessment area of the LMS.
User DashboardA button or link that allows users to access the LTI Tool from their personal dashboard or homepage within the LMS.
Admin DashboardA button or link that allows administrators to access the LTI Tool from the admin dashboard or settings area of the LMS.

Placements by LMS

LMSPlacements
CanvasCanvas Placements
SchoologySchoology Placements
BlackboardBlackboard Placements
BrightspaceBrightspace Placements
MoodleMoodle Placements