What is the difference between LTI 1.1 and LTI 1.3 Advantage? (LTI 1.1 vs 1.3)

The Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard, developed by the IMS Global Learning Consortium (now 1EdTech), enables online learning platforms (LMS) and external tools to connect easily. Over the years, this standard has evolved significantly, starting with LTI 1.0 and culminating in LTI 1.3, also known as LTI Advantage.

While most platforms still use LTI 1.1 or even LTI 1.0, the current industry standard is LTI 1.3. The 1EdTech Consortium continues to enhance LTI 1.3 but has announced that it will be the final version. As such, it’s only a matter of time before everyone transitions to LTI 1.3. Until then, Linqur will continue to support both LTI 1.1 and LTI 1.3 Advantage.

What Are LTI 1.1 and LTI 1.3?

LTI 1.1

LTI 1.1 was introduced in 2012 by 1EdTech as an extension of the original LTI specifications. For the first time, this version allowed external tools such as quiz modules, e-learning content, and other learning resources to be integrated into learning environments (LMS) via a standard single sign-on (SSO). This gave users direct access to these tools without the need for multiple logins. LTI 1.1 enabled basic data transfer and was primarily introduced to save time and effort when integrating various tools into a single learning environment.

LTI 1.3

LTI 1.3, launched in 2019, was developed in response to growing demands for enhanced security and data management in educational environments. As technology and e-learning usage advanced rapidly, stronger authentication protocols became necessary. LTI 1.3 integrated OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect, providing a much more robust and secure authentication process. This allowed platforms to offer not only safer integrations but also expanded data exchange capabilities and improved connectivity between tools and content within platforms.

Key Differences Between LTI 1.1 and LTI 1.3

LTI 1.1

Security
LTI 1.1 relies primarily on OAuth 1.0a for authorization. While OAuth 1.0a offers a certain level of security, it has limitations and is considered less secure than newer standards.

Data Exchange
When a learning tool is launched from an LMS using LTI 1.1, it transmits a basic set of information about the user, course, and user role via HTTP request parameters.

Extensions
LTI 1.1 introduced extensions that allowed additional services, such as returning grades to the LMS.

LTI 1.3

Security
LTI 1.3 represents a significant upgrade in security. It shifts to using OAuth 2.0 and JSON Web Tokens (JWT), which are more secure and modern standards for authorization. This change addresses several security concerns present in the older version.

Data Exchange
LTI 1.3 employs a more structured and secure approach to data exchange. Information about users, courses, and roles is encapsulated in a JWT, which is a compact, URL-safe way to represent claims transferred between two parties.

Extensions and Services
LTI 1.3 introduces a more robust system for extending functionality. It supports LTI Advantage, which includes services like:

• Deep Linking: For content integration.
• Names and Role Provisioning: To retrieve user information in a course.
• Assignment and Grade Services: To synchronize grades and assignment data with the LMS.

Interoperability and Flexibility
LTI 1.3 is designed to be more flexible and interoperable, making it easier for different tools and platforms to work together seamlessly.

Future-Proofing
The move to OAuth 2.0 and JWT in LTI 1.3 aligns with current industry standards, ensuring better compatibility with future technologies and security practices.

Conclusion: LTI 1.1 vs. LTI 1.3

The transition from LTI 1.1 to LTI 1.3 Advantage marks a significant upgrade in terms of security, data handling, and functionality. While LTI 1.1 remains compatible with many external systems for now, adopting LTI 1.3 offers a safer and more future-proof solution for integrating learning tools with e-learning platforms.

Curious about which LTI version best suits your learning platform? Read our blog: LTI 1.1 vs. 1.3: Which Version Is Right for Your Learning Platform?