This session will demonstrate how Learn 9 can be extended to embed applications and resources which support the IMS Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) specification. Some commercial applications will be used to illustrate the process of configuring and using LTI in Learn 9, and to highlight the pros and cons associated with this integration solution. A brief update will also be provided on the current status of the LTI specification.

1. LTI in Action
Teaching & Learning Conference by Blackboard, Liverpool, April 2015 1
LTI® in Action
Simon Booth (University of Stirling)
Stephen Vickers (IMS)
What is LTI?
– Stands for “Learning Tools Interoperability®”
– Specification published by IMS Global Learning
– A standard mechanism for seamlessly and securely connecting learning
applications and remote content to virtual learning environments
(VLEs) and enterprise portals
– Supported by all major VLEs
– Basic configuration requires just:
• launch URL
• key (to identify the customer)
• shared secret
– Launch data can include:
• context
• user
• role of user in context
2

2. LTI in Action
Teaching & Learning Conference by Blackboard, Liverpool, April 2015 2
Applications
• Atomic Learning
– library of short, easy-to-understand tutorial videos
– www.atomiclearning.com/uk/
• Vitalsource
– Reading software for text book publisher
– www.vitalsource.com
• Scribblar
– collaboration software offering whiteboard, real-time audio, document
upload and more
– www.scribblar.com
3
Adding an LTI tool (using Learn 9 core)
• System administrator:
– register LTI domain via System Admin tab:
• key
• secret
• choose what user data to send to tool
– add a placement to expose a tool to course instructors:
• Student Tool; or
• Tools, Assessment, Build Content (Mash-ups), Build Content (Create) menu
• Course instructors:
– select tool from content menu to create a link, or
– direct students to the course tool
• Course members:
– click the link to launch the LTI tool
4

3. LTI in Action
Teaching & Learning Conference by Blackboard, Liverpool, April 2015 3
Launching LTI tools (using the B2)
• The LTI Building Block allows additional options for how to
display the third-party tool/resource:
– frame
– iframe (retaining course menu)
– new tab/window
– popup window
– overlay
5
Deep linking with LTI
• LTI allows custom parameters
– Vitalsource uses to define the book and the location in the book, e.g.
vbid=9780323055321M
book_location=/id/B9780323055321500137_f1
6

4. LTI in Action
Teaching & Learning Conference by Blackboard, Liverpool, April 2015 4
LTI links using the content editor (using the B2)
• The LTI Building Block has a mashup option which allows a link
to an LTI tool to be inserted via the content editor. For
example, a deep link to a reading could be inserted into a
description of a content item which might appear as:
7
Configuration options (using the B2)
• Keys and secrets can be linked to a domain name for use by any
links launching to that domain (also applies to LTI in core
Learn 9)
• A tool can be fully configured via an XML description by either
pasting it into the configuration page or entering a URL to the
file
• An additional message type (extension to IMS spec) provides a
system configuration launch option for Learn 9 administrators
8

5. LTI in Action
Teaching & Learning Conference by Blackboard, Liverpool, April 2015 5
Content-Item message (using the B2)
• This new LTI message type is currently in public draft
• It allows a tool provider to be involved in the process of
creating a new item of content in the VLE
• This allows new items to be fully configured at the time of
creation, rather than instructors having to launch them to
access any setup options for the specific link
• Supported by Scribblar
9
Placement of links to tools
• Learn 9 Core:
– course tool
– content menu: Tools, Assignment, Mash-up, Create (Build Content)
– manually via Web Link menu option
• LTI B2:
– tool: course tool, group tool, user tool, system tool
– content menu: Tools, Assignment, Mash-up, Create (Build Content,
Media, New page, Mashups, Other), Partner Content
– mashup in rich text editor
– learning module
10

6. LTI in Action
Teaching & Learning Conference by Blackboard, Liverpool, April 2015 6
Where to find LTI tools
• IMS Website
– IMS certification status page http://www.imscert.org/
– Certified Tools catalogue http://developers.imsglobal.org/catalog.html
– EduApp Centre (not all LTI!) https://www.eduappcenter.com/
• TurnitinUK
• Talis ASPIRE
• WebPA
• QuestionMark Perception
• Wordpress
• Blackboard Collaborate
• BigBlueButton
11
LTI Roadmap
• Public draft:
– “rich outcomes” services – manage columns in gradebook
– “roster” service – access course memberships
• Current activity:
– LTI 2 – re-registration, tool profiles, placements
– context services
– gradebook launch message types
• Join IMS and get involved!
12

7. LTI in Action
Teaching & Learning Conference by Blackboard, Liverpool, April 2015 7
Questions?
• Useful links
– project website: http://celtic-project.org/
– IMS website: http://www.imsglobal.org/
– briefing paper: http://publications.cetis.ac.uk/wp-
content/uploads/2012/05/LTI-Briefing-Paper.pdf
– best practice wiki: http://celtic.lti.tools/wiki/LTI/Best_Practice
– LTI B2: http://www.spvsoftwareproducts.com/bb/basiclti/
• Contact details
– Simon Booth: s.p.booth@stir.ac.uk
– Stephen Vickers: svickers@imsglobal.org or stephen@spvickers.com
13