What is Learning Tools Interoperability®?
Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI)® is a specification developed by IMS Global Learning Consortium. The principal concept of LTI is to establish a standard way of integrating rich learning applications (often remotely hosted and provided through third-party services) with platforms like learning management systems, portals, or other educational environments. In LTI these learning applications are called Tools (delivered by Tool Providers) and the LMS, or platforms, are called Tool Consumers.
The basic use case behind the development of the LTI specification is to allow the seamless connection of web-based, externally hosted applications and content, or Tools (from simple communication applications like chat, to domain-specific learning environments for complex subjects like math or science) to platforms that present them to users. In other words, if you have an interactive assessment application or virtual chemistry lab, it can be securely connected to an educational platform in a standard way without having to develop and maintain custom integrations for each platform.
A bit of background
Initally dubbed "Basic LTI", LTI v1.0 (released in May 2010) provides a simple but standard method to establish a secure link to a Tool from inside a Tool Consumer. The launch of this link allows a seamless learning experience for students who gain access to rich applications that appear to take place inside the learning environment. Version 1.0 is the first step in the continued development of LTI.
LTI v1.1 (released in March 2012) adds the ability to pass back an outcome from the Tool to the Tool Consumer. This allows students to receive a grade or score from their interaction with the learning application.
LTI v1.1.1 (released in July 2012) includes support for the Mentor role. The typical use case for this parameter is where the Mentor role represents a parent, guardian or auditor.
What's going on here?
IMS Global created this website to give developers and end-users the opportunity to learn more about Learning Tools Interoperability. Our goal is to create a public LTI community where users can learn, share information and help spread the word about LTI's righteousness!
Introduction to LTI 2.0
Check out An Introduction to LTI 2.0 and learn the differences between the LTI 1.x and 2.x.
Want even more?
Join the IMS Common Cartridge/ Learning Tools Interoperability® Alliance to stay ahead of the curve. You will get access to the latest drafts and updates, tools, sample code, the ability to apply for conformance certification, and personalized support.
Show me the tools
Check out our catalog for a list of LTI tools certified by IMS Global. (These are the real McCoy!)
IMS Global Certification
The IMS Global Certification Directory is the only official listing of products that have received IMS conformance marks. Many more suppliers around the world use IMS standards, but achieving the conformance mark indicates that a product has gone through and passed testing prescribed by the IMS members in an ongoing community process.
IMS stands behind the conformance marks. If you are a user of an IMS conformant product listed below and experience an issue with respect to plug and play interoperability, please contact us at info
You can receive support in achieving and maintaining LTI conformance certification for your system or tool by joining the IMS Common Cartridge/LTI Alliance.
While conformance certification provides a "seal" for passing prescribed tests it is much more than that. It is a commitment by a supplier to the IMS community for ongoing support for achieving "plug and play" integration. Therefore, certification implies ongoing community commitment to resolve problems, revise implementations and retest as need. Therefore, only IMS Contributing Members, Affiliate Members and Alliance participants are eligible to apply for conformance certification.