Canvas: Requesting a Canvas Learning Tool Interoperability (LTI)

Summary

This article walks through the LTI Request process. 

How-To

Instructions

What is an LTI in Canvas? 

Canvas supports Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI), which allows third-party apps, tools or resources to be integrated and used within the learning management system. LTIs are often used by publishers (i.e., McGraw-Hill and Cengage) to pass grades back to Canvas and/or integrate Canvas with approved technology (e.g. and Office 365, Blue Course Evaluations, and Kaltura)

LTI Review Process 

Once a request is submitted, it is reviewed by several parties. This process can take up to six months, so we do recommend making an LTI request well in advance of when you might need the LTI. The process typically begins with a ticket submitted through the Canvas (myCourses) service request and then continues with a request to fill out a form with the relevant details. The approval process will include a review of cost, security, compliance with university policies, and other factors.  We recommend you reach out to an Instructional Designer on your campus before beginning the LTI Review Process and/or if you need assistance with the LTI Review Process. 

There are several things to consider/gather before you submit an LTI request:  

1. Information about the LTI including a vendor contact   

2. How you expect to pay for the LTI (student payment or departmental payment) or if there is no cost. Please note that the cost of an LTI, if any, is the responsibility of the user or department making the request.   

3. How you plan to use the LTI and your course’s name and title.   

4. How will this LTI be supported?  It is the responsibility of those using the LTI app to communicate with the end users, i.e. students, how to get support if they need it. Example - a link to the vendor support page could be placed in your Canvas course.  

There is a short Form-  Canvas Learning Tools Integrations Request Form  that includes some of the questions we would expect you to know.  To preview some of the questions on the form, please refer to the attached document in this KB in the lower right of the page.

  The LTI review process includes in this order:   

1. A cost evaluation, as noted, ET&S will not move forward with LTIs that do not include cost/payment outlines. This is overseen by TLT Learning Design & Technology Team  

2. In pilot (as of October 2024) we currently have an initial review done by an internal LTI working group consisting of Instructional Design leaders across USNH, Learning Design and Technology, and Academic Application Administration. 

2. Information collection period in conjunction with the vendor. This process is overseen by our TLT Academic Application Administration Team.  

3. Security Review process – This is led by our cybersecurity team to assure the product meets all USNH cybersecurity protocols.   

4. Data Protection Process – This is led by the associated campus’ data steward to assure student data protection and security.   

5. Testing Period – if the LTI has passed through the above processes, then it returns for installation in the test environment, and Learning Design & Technology will again reach out to the faculty who submitted the request to assist in testing the LTI. Once the faculty gives the okay, the information is returned to the Academic Application Administration Team for installation in the production environment.   

6. The LTI is installed, and information is added to our Knowledge Base article.   

7. The LTI is subject to additional evaluation in the future.   

Post-Approval 

Please note that ET&S does not directly support many of the LTIs that move forward through this process. LTI support for students often comes direct from the vendor, it’s important to understand their support model for students. For a comprehensive list of supported and unsupported LTIs, please refer to our Knowledge Base Article, Canvas: Integrating External Apps (LTI Tools) in a course. We encourage faculty and staff to consult with our Learning, Design and Technology team and/or your campus’ Instructional Designers before investing time and resources in third-party tools.  

Outcome 

The LTI request process is a crucial step in integrating third-party tools into the Canvas learning management system. It ensures the tool’s functionality, security, and compliance with university policies and legal requirements. By following the steps outlined above, faculty and staff can successfully request and implement LTIs in their Canvas courses. 

Further Readings

Canvas: Integrating External Apps (LTI Tools) in a course 

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.