Why Your Company Needs LTI Integration for Employee Training

LTI integration (Learning Tools Interoperability) is a standard that lets you connect third-party tools to your LMS without complex API setups. It helps companies expand training capabilities without building custom solutions. For example, you can add Zoom webinars, Kahoot quizzes, or simulators to your LMS without coding. This saves time, reduces development costs, and makes training more flexible and modern.

Why does this matter for business? First, LTI removes barriers between your LMS and the tools employees already use. Second, it supports single sign-on (SSO), simplifying access to training. Third, LTI 1.3, standardized as part of LTI Advantage, ensures high security and compatibility with modern LMS platforms like Kelbado.

What is LTI and how does it work?

LTI is an integration standard developed by the 1EdTech Consortium (formerly IMS Global). It allows LMS platforms and external tools to exchange data through a single entry point. When an employee opens an integrated tool in the LMS, the system automatically shares user data, their role, and learning context. It works on a "launch and forget" principle—no manual access setup or data syncing required.

Key components of LTI:

1. Platform (LMS): The system providing access to training (e.g., Kelbado).
2. Tool: An external app or service integrated into the LMS (e.g., Zoom or Google Docs).
3. LTI message: A secure token that transmits data between the platform and the tool.

In LTI 1.3, released in 2019, security is based on OAuth2 and JSON Web Tokens (JWT). This makes the integration reliable and compliant with modern standards like GDPR and the EU AI Act.

Benefits of LTI for corporate training

1. Saves time and resources: No need to develop custom integrations or buy expensive solutions. Set up LTI once, and the tool becomes available to all employees.
2. Single sign-on (SSO): Employees don’t waste time logging into multiple systems. LTI automatically passes credentials, simplifying access to training.
3. Expands LMS capabilities: Connect tools not natively supported (e.g., simulators, interactive quizzes, or video conferencing).
4. Compatibility with modern standards: LTI 1.3 supports LTI Advantage, which includes grading services, participant lists, and Deep Linking for more flexible, personalized training programs.
5. Meets security requirements: LTI 1.3 uses OAuth2 and JWT, ensuring data protection and GDPR compliance.

For example, a company with 500 employees can save up to 200 hours a year on integration setup and maintenance by using LTI instead of custom solutions.

LTI vs SCORM: Which to choose for your LMS

LTI and SCORM serve different purposes, so the choice depends on your training goals. Here’s how they compare:

Criteria	LTI	SCORM
Purpose	Integrates external tools	Packages and tracks courses
Compatibility	Works with any LMS and tool	Requires SCORM support in LMS
Security	OAuth2 and JWT (LTI 1.3)	Depends on LMS implementation
Flexibility	Supports dynamic tools	Static courses
Examples	Zoom, Kahoot, Google Docs	Workplace safety courses, onboarding modules

If your goal is to integrate third-party tools into your LMS, choose LTI. If you need to package and track courses, use SCORM or cmi5. Ideally, your LMS should support both standards, like Kelbado.

How to connect LTI to your LMS in 5 steps

Setting up LTI 1.3 doesn’t require deep technical knowledge, but following the steps carefully is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Register the tool in your LMS

   • Log in to your LMS admin panel.
   • Find the "Integrations" or "LTI" section.
   • Add a new tool, entering its name and URL (e.g., https://zoom.us/lti).

2. Configure security keys

   • Generate OAuth2 keys (Client ID, Client Secret) in the tool.
   • Enter them in your LMS along with the Public Key.
   • Ensure the keys meet LTI 1.3 requirements.

3. Assign roles and access permissions

   • Define which employee roles can use the tool (e.g., trainers only or all staff).
   • Configure access permissions in your LMS.

4. Test the integration

   • Create a test course and add the LTI tool to it.
   • Verify that user data is transmitted correctly and the tool works without errors.

5. Deploy to production

   • Move the settings to your live environment.
   • Train employees on how to use the new tool.

LTI setup checklist:

• The tool supports LTI 1.3.
• OAuth2 keys are generated and entered in the LMS.
• Access permissions are configured for the required roles.
• The integration is tested in a staging environment.
• Employees are informed about the new tool.

Common mistakes when setting up LTI

1. Using outdated LTI versions LTI 1.1 doesn’t support modern security standards. Always use LTI 1.3 or higher.

2. Incorrect security key setup Errors in Client ID, Client Secret, or Public Key cause authorization failures. Double-check the keys.

3. Skipping testing Launching an integration without testing can lead to errors in production. Always test in an isolated environment.

4. Role mismatches If access permissions aren’t configured, employees may gain access to tools they don’t need. Define roles upfront.

5. Lack of documentation Without instructions, employees won’t know how to use the new tool. Prepare a quick guide or video tutorial.

6. Ignoring GDPR requirements If the tool transmits personal data, ensure it complies with GDPR. For example, all Kelbado integrations undergo compliance checks.

Tools you can connect via LTI

You can integrate almost any educational tool via LTI. Here are popular examples:

• Video conferencing: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet.
• Interactive quizzes: Kahoot, Quizlet, Mentimeter.
• Documents and collaboration: Google Docs, Microsoft OneNote, Miro.
• Simulators and games: Virtual trainers for sales or technical skills.
• Video and multimedia: YouTube, Vimeo, interactive videos.
• Social learning: Forums, chats, collaboration tools.

For example, a restaurant chain could use LTI to connect a customer service simulator, allowing employees to practice skills in a safe environment.

FAQ

What is LTI and how does it work in an LMS?

LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) is a standard that allows you to connect third-party tools to an LMS without complex setup. It works through a single entry point, where the LMS and external tool exchange data via secure tokens.

How is LTI different from SCORM and xAPI?

SCORM and xAPI track learning progress within courses, while LTI integrates external tools into an LMS. LTI doesn’t replace SCORM—it complements it. Learn more about the differences in the article "SCORM or xAPI: Which format to choose for your LMS".

Which tools can I connect via LTI?

You can connect video conferencing (Zoom, Teams), interactive quizzes (Kahoot, Quizlet), documents (Google Docs), simulators, and other educational platforms via LTI.

Should I upgrade to LTI 1.3?

Yes, LTI 1.3 is the modern standard with enhanced security based on OAuth2 and JWT. It supports advanced features like Deep Linking and grading services.

How long does it take to set up LTI in an LMS?

Setting up LTI 1.3 takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the administrator’s experience and the complexity of the integration. Key steps include registering the tool and configuring security keys.

Can I use LTI and SCORM together?

Yes, LTI and SCORM serve different purposes: LTI integrates external tools, while SCORM packages and tracks courses. They can be used simultaneously in the same LMS.

Conclusion

1. LTI integration simplifies connecting third-party tools to your LMS, saving time and resources.
2. LTI 1.3 is the modern standard with high security and compatibility.
3. LTI and SCORM serve different purposes: LTI integrates tools, while SCORM packages courses.
4. Setting up LTI takes 30 minutes to 2 hours if you follow the step-by-step guide.
5. Avoid common mistakes: use LTI 1.3, test the integration, and configure access permissions.

If your company is looking for an LMS that supports LTI, SCORM, and other standards, try Kelbado. The platform supports all modern integrations and meets GDPR and EU AI Act requirements.