LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) is a standard created by IMS Globals and mentored by UMICH SI professor Dr. Charles Severance. LTI allows web-based tools to extend learning platforms like Learning Management System (LMS) like Canvas, Massive Open Online Course(MOOC) like Coursera or other learning platforms.
Some of the advantages LTI include:
- Seamless integration with Learning tool platforms making the authentication process simpler, where users authenticate to the platform and Underneath LTI using technologies like OAuth, OpenId Connect, JSON Web Tokens for authorizing the LTI tool launch.
- Exchange of information between platforms and tools once the user is in the tool premise. For eg, for an assessment tool once the assessment is taken the student score can be safely sent back to Platform.
- LTI rich tool content reused across multiple platforms without tying it to platform specific.
- LTI tools can written in any languages.
Examples of LTI tools solving real world problems at U-M include:
- Facilitating Instructors add Non-umich users to their courses from Canvas.
- Providing students with information about their engagement with course materials, assignments, and grades in a Canvas course that helps them improve course grades.
- Allowing creation of learning tools that are interoperable with multiple MOOCs and LMSs.
- Provides a way to extend platform capabilities to better suit a specific pedagogy or subject matter.