Learning Tools Interoperability
Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) is a technical standard developed by IMS Global Learning Consortium that enables secure integration of external learning applications and tools with educational platforms like Learning Management Systems (LMS). It provides a standardized way for tools to launch within an LMS, share user and context data, and return grades or outcomes, facilitating a seamless learning experience without requiring custom integrations for each tool. LTI is widely adopted in educational technology to support interoperability between diverse systems.
Developers should learn LTI when building or integrating educational tools, such as assessment platforms, interactive simulations, or content repositories, that need to work within LMS environments like Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard. It is essential for creating scalable, plug-and-play solutions in the edtech space, as it reduces development overhead by providing a common protocol for authentication, data exchange, and grade passback, ensuring compliance with institutional requirements and enhancing user experience.