Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI)
Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) is a standard that lets external learning tools and content integrate seamlessly with an LMS.
Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) is a specification that connects third-party tools, content and assessments to a learning platform in a secure, standardized way, so they launch and report results without custom integration for each one.
LTI lets organizations extend their LMS with specialized tools (assessment engines, simulations, content libraries) while keeping a single learner experience and consistent data.
How Learning Tools Interoperability works in Violetinfo.ai
VioletLMS connects to external tools and content through standards-based integration, so specialized learning tools work inside one unified learner experience.
Platforms, tools and the launch
LTI is maintained by 1EdTech, the standards organization formerly known as IMS Global Learning Consortium. It describes two roles: the platform, which is the LMS or learning environment the learner is using, and the tool, which is the external application being launched, such as an assessment engine, video service or virtual lab.
When a learner selects an LTI link, the platform sends a secure launch message to the tool containing information such as the learner's identity, role and the course context. The tool trusts that message, so the learner does not need to sign in again, and can then return results to the platform.
LTI 1.1 vs LTI 1.3 and LTI Advantage
Older LTI 1.1 integrations used OAuth 1.0a message signing with shared keys and secrets. LTI 1.3, released in 2019, moved to a modern security model based on OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect and signed JSON Web Tokens, and 1EdTech recommends that implementations adopt it.
LTI Advantage is a set of services built on LTI 1.3. Deep Linking lets instructors pick specific content from a tool and place it in a course. Assignment and Grade Services let the tool send scores back to the platform gradebook. Names and Role Provisioning Services let the tool retrieve a course roster. Together these make integrations far more useful than a simple launch.
LTI compared with SCORM and xAPI
SCORM, xAPI and cmi5 are about packaging and tracking content. LTI is about connecting applications: the tool's content stays on the tool provider's servers and is launched in context, rather than being uploaded into the LMS. This suits services that need their own back end, such as proctored exams, coding environments or large content libraries that are updated continuously.
When evaluating an integration, check which LTI version is supported, whether grades return to the LMS, and what learner data is shared with the tool, since that data leaves your platform. VioletLMS connects to external tools and content through standards-based integration, so specialized tools work inside one learner experience.
Practical steps for an LTI integration
Setting up an LTI 1.3 integration involves registering the tool with the platform and exchanging configuration details, including client IDs, public key locations and launch addresses. Administrators then decide where the tool appears, which roles can use it and whether grades should flow back automatically.
Before going live, test launches for learners, instructors and administrators, confirm results appear correctly in reports, and review privacy settings that control which learner details are shared. Document the configuration so it can be renewed or rebuilt when keys or addresses change.
Frequently asked questions
Who maintains the LTI standard?
LTI is maintained by 1EdTech, previously known as IMS Global Learning Consortium. The organization also runs a certification program so vendors can show their platforms and tools conform to the specification.
Should new integrations use LTI 1.1 or LTI 1.3?
New integrations should use LTI 1.3, because it uses a stronger security model based on OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect. LTI 1.3 is also required for the LTI Advantage services such as grade return and deep linking.
Is LTI used in corporate training or only in education?
LTI started in higher education but is also used in corporate learning wherever an LMS needs to launch external tools securely. Common corporate uses include assessment platforms, virtual labs and specialist content services.