Learning Tools Interoperability

Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) is a standard created by the IMS Global Learning Consortium.^[1]

Its primary purpose is to connect learning systems such as a learning management system (LMS) with external service tools in a standard way across learning systems. The standard describes the connecting system as an LTI Tool Consumer and the connected tool as an LTI Tool Provider.

Terminology

LTI Consumer: This is the service that is consuming the tool. Typically this is a Learning Management System (LMS) or user portal. The LTI Consumer provides user information and context to the LTI Tool Provider. Additionally the LTI Consumer provides authentication vouching for the user to the LTI Tool Provider.^[2]

LTI Tool Provider: This is the service providing the service to the LTI Consumer. This can be on-premises software or a service that is hosted outside the LTI Consumer.^[2]

Use

LTI is a primary means by which course content and learning technology functionality is delivered from content providers to students via their institutional LMS interface or portal. It delivers courseware as a service from most large educational content providers, including Pearson and McGraw Hill and is an educational technology distribution and implementation tool in widespread use.^{[3] [4]} Popular LMS software such as Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle employ LTI integration to supply student access to third-party software.

History

• The initial implementation of Learning Tools Interoperability then called BasicLTI was developed in 2008 as a Google Summer of Code project developed by Jordi Piguillem under the mentorship of Charles Severance and Marc Alier.^[5]
• In June 2010 the final specifications for LTI v1.0 are released by the IMS Global Learning Consortium.^[6]
• In August 2012 the final specifications for LTI v1.1 are released by the IMS Global Learning Consortium. The ability to pass grades back to the Tool Consumer to the Tool Provider is added.^[7]
• In January 2014 the final specifications for LTI v2.0 are released by the IMS Global Learning Consortium. It supports rich and complex REST based two way communication between LTI Consumer and Provider.^[8]

Links

Dr. Chuck's Blog: Teaching, Learning, Technology, Standards, Interoperability, etc., "Connecting IMS Learning Tools Interoperability and SAML"

eLearning Industry, "Why Learning Tool Interoperability Should Be Part Of Your eLearning Application"

Blackboard Help, "Learning Tools Interoperability"

Coursera, "Learning Tools Interoperability"

References

1. "Learning Tools Interoperability". IMS Global. Retrieved 2015-09-07.
2. "IMS Global Learning Tools Interoperability Version 1.0". Imsglobal.org. Retrieved 2015-09-07.
3. "Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) | Pearson Developers Network". developer.pearson.com. Retrieved 2016-09-30.
4. "McGraw-Hill Education Announces Integration of its McGraw-Hill Connect® Learning Platform with Canvas Learning Management System". McGraw Hill Education. Retrieved 2016-09-30.
5. "basiclti4moodle - Implements a IMS BasicLTI Consumer for Moodle - Google Project Hosting". Code.google.com. 2012-07-02. Retrieved 2015-09-07.
6. "Learning Tools Interoperability®". IMS Global. Retrieved 2015-09-07.
7. "IMS Global Learning Tools Interoperability Implementation Guide Version 1.1.1". Imsglobal.org. Retrieved 2015-09-07.
8. "IMS Global Learning Tools Interoperability Implementation Guide Version 2.0 Final". Imsglobal.org. Retrieved 2015-09-07.