LTI stands for Learning Tools Interoperability, a standard that lets a learning management system communicate with external systems. Through LTI, an LMS can host external tools such as authoring tools, video conferencing, cloud storage, digital badges and many other apps, all inside the one platform.
API or LTI, what is the difference?
People often ask how LTI differs from an API. An API is the broader term for any method that lets two software tools talk to each other. The 'Continue with Google' button you use to sign in elsewhere runs on Google's API. LTI, by contrast, was purpose built to integrate external applications with learning management systems. Sometimes you need both: an API to connect to an app on the back end, and LTI to surface its interface inside the LMS.
LTI was created so developers could build a tool once and have it work across many different LMSs, instead of writing a separate integration for each one.
A better experience for everyone
For learners, teachers and administrators, LTI removes friction. You no longer log into a separate tool every time you need it. If you build video content in a tool like Powtoon, LTI means you can create it inside Canvas directly, with no logging in elsewhere, exporting, re-importing, fixing an error and exporting again. Everything happens in one place.
Bespoke LTI apps
LTI also opens the door to custom tools. When an institution needs something the LMS does not offer out of the box, an external LTI app can be built from scratch: a reporting dashboard that pulls data from other systems, an added component that improves the teacher and student experience, or a space where students form groups and collaborate. In short, almost anything can be developed and connected to your LMS to lift efficiency and experience.