OpenStax Assignable LTI 1.3 Tool Now Available in Blackboard

OpenStax Assignable LTI 1.3 Blackboard Tool Integration 

Overview

CCRI has integrated a new instructional OER tool into Blackboard: OpenStax Assignable via LTI 1.3 Advantage. This new tool allows faculty to link OpenStax textbook content and assignments directly into their Blackboard courses. OpenStax Assignable is fully integrated and ready for use in Summer and Fall 2025 courses.

PLEASE NOTE: Beginning in Fall 2025, OpenStax Assignable will have a per-student, per-semester fee of $15, though it will also offer a two-week free trial and flexible payment options. 

OpenStax textbooks are free, peer-reviewed open educational resources (OER), and now with the Assignable tool, instructors can:

  • Embed auto-graded assignments from OpenStax directly into their course

  • Sync scores automatically with the Blackboard Grade Center

  • Create or copy assignments for reuse across sections and terms

This is a brand-new integration — CCRI had not previously supported OpenStax Assignable, so this launch brings expanded access to high-quality, no-cost learning materials and assessments.

🧭 Faculty Instructions (Getting Started)

When you're ready to add OpenStax content to your Blackboard course:

  1. Go to your course shell in Blackboard.

  2. Click Build Content > OpenStax Assignable.

  3. Choose your textbook and follow the on-screen prompts to link your course and begin creating assignments.

📚 Visit the OpenStax Assignable catalog here: https://openstax.org/assignable

📄 Step-by-step guide: How do I create an OpenStax Assignable assignment in Blackboard?

🔁 Copying Assignments? How to copy OpenStax assignments between Blackboard courses

👩‍🏫 Instructor Orientation: Watch the OpenStax on-demand recording demo here.

📚 OER Questions? Contact Lindsey Gwozdz, Assistant Dean Library at CCRI: lgwozdz@ccri.edu

📘 What Is OpenStax Assignable?

OpenStax is a nonprofit initiative by Rice University that offers free, peer-reviewed, open-source college textbooks. These resources are:

  • ✅ Open-source and freely adaptable

  • ✅ Written and reviewed by educators

  • ✅ Aligned to standard course requirements

OpenStax Assignable is an additional tool that integrates these textbooks into your LMS with assignment and assessment capabilities. It is not open-source, but it is free to use within Blackboard.

Component Open Source? Details
OpenStax Textbooks ✅ Yes Free to download, adapt, and redistribute
OpenStax Assignable Tool ❌ No Free to use, but governed by its own terms and conditions

🔒 Privacy Policy | 📄 Terms of Use

🆘 Need Help?

If you have questions about using the tool or need assistance:

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