🔎 What is an LTI?

A Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) is an external piece of software that integrates with Blackboard to extend its functionality. Examples include publisher tools, plagiarism detection tools, or interactive content platforms.

Each LTI has its own license agreement and access to data from Blackboard, which requires a careful review before approval.

🧰 Requesting a New LTI Tool Integration

When faculty or staff request a new tool for Blackboard, the request goes through several review stages. These ensure the tool supports CCRI’s teaching and learning goals, meets technical requirements, and complies with institutional standards.

📝 Faculty Responsibilities Before Submitting

To ensure a smooth setup, faculty must gather the following information from the vendor before filling out the request form:

• 🔑 Configuration Data – LTI Key, Secret, Deployment ID, Configuration URL

• 📘 Setup Documentation – A link to the vendor’s configuration instructions

• ♿ Accessibility Documentation – The vendor’s VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)

• 👨‍💻 Vendor Contact – Technical representative name and email/phone number

📌 Note: Incomplete requests may be delayed. Faculty are responsible for coordinating with vendors to obtain these materials.

🔍 Review & Approval Workflow

Step 1: Initial Review & Pedagogical Assessment (OLT)

• Confirms request is complete and aligned with institutional goals

• Ensures no similar tools already exist at CCRI

• Evaluates educational value, course alignment, and potential impact on student learning

Step 2: Technical Assessment (IT)

• Reviews tool compatibility with Blackboard

• Confirms LTI version support (1.3 required)

• Tests system stability and performance impact

• Verifies WCAG accessibility compliance

Step 3: Security & Compliance Review (IT)

• Checks FERPA and GDPR compliance

• Reviews vendor data privacy and security practices

• Identifies risks with data storage or sharing

Step 4: Legal Review (General Counsel, if required)

• Examines contracts, license terms, and liability issues

• Ensures institutional protections and compliance

✅ Final Approval & Implementation

• Approved tools move forward to configuration and technical setup

• New integrations are documented and made available in Blackboard

• Faculty are notified once a tool is ready for use

👉 Note: Not all requests are approved. Tools that duplicate existing functionality, pose risks, or do not align with CCRI’s mission may be declined.

⏰ Deadlines & Installations

• Submission Deadline: Request need to be sent in six weeks prior to the start of the semester

• Installations: Occur three times per year, one week before the start of:

  • Fall semester

  • Spring semester

  • Summer semester

➡️ Submit requests early to ensure availability for your course.

📩 How to Submit

Faculty or staff should complete the LTI Tool Request Form (enter link here).

✅ Reminder: Plan ahead — the approval process can take several weeks.