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Joris Even

27-10-2021

Why are more and more customers asking for an LTI connection?

For a long time, SCORM packages have been the standard for delivering online learning content. However, many Learning Management Systems (LMS) are moving away from supporting these packages. Learning Tools Interoperability, better known as LTI, is gaining ground and is gradually replacing SCORM packages. In practice, this shift has resulted in a rising demand from clients for an LTI integration.

With an LTI integration, clients no longer need to manage SCORM packages themselves. This blog explores why an LTI integration is now essential and how to set one up yourself.

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The advantages of an LTI connection

Organizations looking for relevant learning content don’t request an LTI integration for no reason. This approach has numerous benefits for both clients as LTI consumers and you as the provider (LTI provider). In this context, the organizations seeking external learning content are the clients, while the provider refers to the content provider.

The Benefits for the LTI Consumer (Client)

No More Local SCORM Package Management
Organizations no longer need to manage SCORM files locally, reducing workload and the risk of outdated versions.

No Storage Space Required in Their Own LMS
Since the modules are offered via LTI, the course content doesn’t take up storage space in the client’s LMS. This saves valuable system space and makes the LMS faster and more efficient.

Easily Add New Modules via LTI
With LTI, adding new modules is a simple process. Organizations can quickly add new content without complex technical steps, making it easy to expand learning opportunities.

View Module Results Directly in the LMS
Organizations can monitor their employees’ progress and results directly in their own LMS. This makes tracking performance and generating reports straightforward.

Updating E-learning Modules Requires No Extra Time
Updates are automatically processed via the LTI integration, ensuring clients always have the most recent course version without extra work. Their content remains up-to-date without additional effort.

The Benefits for the LTI Provider

Manage All Your SCORM Packages in One Place
With an LTI integration, you don’t need to upload SCORM packages separately across platforms; you can manage them from a single, centralized location. This makes it easier to organize and ensures you always work with the latest version.

Update SCORM Packages Without Client Intervention
If a course needs updating, you can make the change directly without requiring the client to take action. This way, clients always have access to the latest version of the e-learning content.

Fewer Contact Moments
With an LTI integration, there’s no need for file transfers, simplifying communication with organizations. Organizations can independently access the latest courses without requiring you to arrange access each time.

Easily View Reports on E-learning Usage
Thanks to LTI integration, you gain direct insights into how frequently and by whom your courses are accessed. This provides valuable data for improving content and monitoring employee engagement.

Simple and Transparent Billing
An added advantage of the reports generated from the LTI integration is the ability to remotely view how many employees have accessed your e-learning, facilitating billing processes.

Lower Management Costs
Centralizing e-learning management via LTI reduces operational costs. By eliminating the need for individual updates or file transfers, you save time and reduce the resources needed for management.

Control the Number of Users by Granting Licenses
With LTI, you have the flexibility to control the number of users for your e-learning modules via licenses. This allows you to manage access effectively and issue or renew licenses as needed.

Setting Up Your Own LTI Integration: Costly and Complex

Are clients requesting an LTI integration because they no longer want to manage e-learning modules themselves? Or are you developing e-learning that you’d like to deliver online? You might consider setting up your own LTI integration, though it can be a complex process. Here are the options:

Setting Up Your Own Server with an LTI Provider Tool
You can configure a server to host your modules with an LTI provider tool. However, this requires a lot of technical expertise and experience.

Developing an LTI Provider Tool with an External Company
You could have your L&D department collaborate with an external company, such as SCORMCLOUD, to develop an LTI provider tool. However, this often involves using a U.S.-based server, which may raise GDPR compliance issues.

Hiring an External Developer
An external developer can build a server that you can configure with your own modules for clients. However, this can also be a costly option.

Expanding the Client’s LMS to Support LTI
You could expand your LMS to include LTI support. However, many LMS providers do not offer LTI support, making this option less feasible.

While these are all valid options, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel here.

LTI Provider Service: Get Started Without Technical Knowledge

The simplest way to meet client demand is with our LTI Provider Service. Our platform allows you to set up an LTI integration easily, without needing to create a new server or host packages yourself. We handle it all for you!

The Benefits of an LTI Integration via the Linqur LTI Provider Service

No Technical Knowledge Needed
Linqur handles the entire technical setup, enabling organizations to use their LTI integration without complex adjustments.

Secure, GDPR-Compliant Solution
Linqur provides a secure and GDPR-compliant server, ensuring customer data and course content remain protected in accordance with European privacy regulations.

Direct Access to Up-to-Date Content
Organizations always have access to the latest version of e-learning modules without needing to manually process updates.

Support During Implementation and Management
Linqur offers guidance and support during the setup and management of the LTI integration, simplifying the deployment of e-learning modules.

Cost-Efficient Management
Through centralized management with Linqur, organizations save on maintenance costs and don’t need to allocate internal resources for server management.

Easy Access to Reports
Linqur allows organizations to track user progress and performance directly in their LMS, offering insights into the usage and impact of their e-learning modules.

Flexible Scaling of Users
With Linqur, organizations can easily adjust the number of users by issuing licenses, allowing them to scale flexibly to meet changing needs.

With these benefits, Linqur provides a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly solution for setting up and managing an LTI integration.

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About the author
Joris Even

Joris Even is our founder and the brains behind our products, with 15 years in e-learning. He loves the outdoors and lives to enjoy every moment. Joris’s easy-going approach and deep industry knowledge make our work both fun and impactful.