How LearningLemur integrates with LTI

LearningLemur integrates with learning management systems using the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) 1.3 standard. This integration allows LMS platforms to launch LearningLemur quizzes and activities in a secure, seamless way, enabling student access control, grade submission, and single sign-on without requiring separate logins.

What It Is

LTI 1.3 is an interoperability standard developed by IMS Global that enables learning platforms (LMSs) to connect and launch external tools — such as LearningLemur — in a standardized, secure manner.

When LearningLemur is integrated via LTI, the LMS serves as the platform, and LearningLemur as the external tool. This connection allows users to launch LearningLemur from within the LMS interface without a separate login and enables data exchange, such as:

• User identity (who is launching LearningLemur).
• Context information (which course/class is being accessed).
• Role (student, teacher, etc.).
• Optionally returning grades or results from LearningLemur back to the LMS gradebook.

Why It Matters

Without an integration standard like LTI, teachers and students must jump between platforms, log in multiple times, and manually manage workflows. This interrupts the learning flow and makes it harder to use interactive tools.

LTI eliminates these barriers by:

• Allowing single sign-on from the LMS to LearningLemur.
• Providing secure, standardized data exchange.
• Reducing setup complexity for teachers and admins.
• Supporting deeper LMS integration, such as grade return (where supported).
• Enabling launch links directly inside LMS activities.

In short, LTI makes LearningLemur feel like a native part of the LMS.

How It Works

Stage 1: Configuration

Administrators or instructors register LearningLemur as an external tool in their LMS using the LTI 1.3 tool configuration. This typically includes:

• A tool URL (where LearningLemur is hosted).
• A public key or keyset URL for security.
• A client ID and deployment ID.
• Scopes and messages allowed (e.g., Names and Role Provisioning, Deep Linking, Assignments and Grades).

This configuration enables the LMS and LearningLemur to trust one another and exchange signed JSON Web Tokens (JWTs).

Stage 2: Launch

When a teacher or student opens a LearningLemur activity from within the LMS:

1. The LMS prepares an LTI launch request that includes:
   • User identity (name, email, role).
   • Context (course ID, resource link).
   • Deployment information.
2. The LMS signs the launch request and sends it to LearningLemur.
3. LearningLemur validates the request, logs the user in, and delivers the appropriate experience (student view or teacher authoring view).

Stage 3: Session and Tool Use

Once launched:

• The user interacts with LearningLemur quizzes or content.
• The LMS and LearningLemur remain connected, without additional logins.
• Optionally, results or grades can be communicated back to the LMS if supported (via Assignment and Grade Services in LTI 1.3).

Key Rules or Behaviours

• LearningLemur supports only LTI 1.3, not earlier LTI versions.
• All launch messages are signed and validated via shared keys.
• The LMS supplies the user role (student/teacher), which LearningLemur uses to determine capabilities.
• Not all LMSs support returning grades via LTI; where supported, this must be enabled in the tool configuration.

Examples

Teacher opens LearningLemur from Canvas

A teacher clicks a “LearningLemur” link in their Canvas course. Canvas prepares an LTI launch request, sends it to LearningLemur, and the teacher lands directly in the LearningLemur authoring environment without logging in again.

Student launches a quiz in Blackboard

A student clicks a LearningLemur activity in Blackboard. Blackboard sends an LTI launch to LearningLemur with the student’s identity and course context. The student begins the quiz immediately, and their attempt context is tracked appropriately.

Common Misunderstandings

Misconception: LTI integration automatically returns grades to the LMS gradebook.
Clarification: Grade return is possible with LTI 1.3 only if the LMS supports and enables the Assignments and Grade Services capability. If not enabled, quizzes still launch, but grades are not sent back automatically.

Misconception: LTI replaces all LMS authentication.
Clarification: LTI provides single sign-on for the launch, but users still need appropriate accounts and permissions in LearningLemur if required by the deployment.

Related Concepts

• LearningLemur integration with Blackboard via LTI
• LearningLemur integration with Canvas via LTI
• LearningLemur integration with D2L/Brightspace via LTI