LTI 1.1 was one of the first versions of the Learning Tools Interoperability standard, designed to support basic integrations between LMS and external tools.
LTI 1.1 was one of the early versions of the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard, developed by the IMS Global Learning Consortium. This version was designed to enable basic integrations between learning platforms (LMS) and external tools, such as quiz and assessment tools.
LTI 1.1 introduced the ability to integrate tools easily without requiring users to log in separately to different systems. It marked the first true step toward interoperability between LMSs and learning tools by facilitating secure data exchange between the systems. The standard provided users with a uniform experience within the learning platform, while data such as results and progress were automatically tracked.
LTI 1.1 works by connecting a tool provider (the external tool) and a tool consumer (the LMS) via a secure link. The LMS sends the user information to the tool through a "launch URL," which allows the tool to know who the user is and what their role is within the learning platform. As a result, users do not need to log in again and can directly access the tool.
Many organizations continue to use LTI 1.1 because it is a robust, easy-to-implement standard. It requires no complex configurations and works with most basic requirements for integrating learning tools into an LMS. For organizations that do not need complex tracking or data sharing, LTI 1.1 is often still sufficient.
While LTI 1.1 provides a solid foundation, later versions like LTI 2.0 and LTI 1.3 Advantage have added many more features, such as enhanced security and more detailed data exchange. For organizations that require more functionality or security, upgrading to a newer LTI version can be a good option.