LTI

LTI, or Learning Tools Interoperability, is a standard developed by IMS Global that enables seamless integration of external learning applications with learning management systems (LMS) and other educational platforms. It defines a lightweight interface for Tool Consumers (the LMS or platform) and Tool Providers (the external tools) to launch tools, share basic course context, and exchange results during a learning session.

LTI has evolved from early versions that relied on OAuth 1.0a for authentication to the newer LTI 1.3 and the broader LTI Advantage bundle. LTI Advantage uses OAuth 2.0 and JSON Web Tokens, along with OpenID Connect for user authentication, to improve security and interoperability. It also expands capabilities through three services: Names and Roles, Deep Linking, and Grade Services, enabling richer data exchange beyond a simple tool launch.

In operation, a user selects an external tool from within the LMS, generating a launch request from the Tool Consumer to the Tool Provider. This request includes identifiers for the course context, the user, and the resource being accessed. The Tool Provider responds by delivering the tool interface; when applicable, it can also return or receive data such as grades or additional content via the established services. The standard supports single sign-on and contextual data transmission, with privacy and consent controls as appropriate.

Adoption and ecosystem: LTI is widely supported by major LMS platforms such as Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, and Brightspace, as well as by many third-party learning applications. It aims to reduce bespoke integrations by providing a common protocol for tool integration, improving interoperability and scalability in educational technology.