Just like in eClass, instructors can add external LTI tools or apps that link out to online educational tools into their Canvas courses. This is not required for the existing institutionally-licensed tools which are already added to Canvas and available for use: Zoom, YuJa, Talis Library Reading Lists, Assign2, Smart Exam Monitor, Google Assignments, Approved Student Accommodations, and Willo Labs 1.1. Instructions for using any of these pre-existing site-wide tools can be found below.

This article guides instructors in adding personally licensed or free-to-use apps into their particular course(s) but also on the governance process (which is still being finalized) for requesting app integrations for wider usage, be it the entire campus or specific sub-units.
 

Adding Basic LTI 1.1 Apps

Any external apps that use the LTI 1.1 specification can be added to courses using the following vendor-supplied information:

• Consumer Key
• Shared Secret
• Launch URL

Using this information, instructors can enter their course settings, navigate to the 'Apps' tab, and add the External App following the instructions in this article. Note that if the documentation provided by an app or tool vendor mentions 'Developer Keys' are using the LTI 1.3 specification (see below).

Since all LTI tools have automatic data flows from the LMS, before adding tools to their courses instructors should review IST's Security and Privacy checklist and have the integration reviewed if necessary. If you are unsure whether this is required, please reach out to the Senior IT Partner for your college or faculty.

Alternative methods to Add LTI 1.1 External Apps

To make the process easier, Canvas also lets instructor add External Apps using these other options:

• URL - https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-configure-an-external-app-for-a-course-using-a-URL/ta-p/884
• XML - https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-configure-an-external-app-for-a-course-using-XML/ta-p/1080
• Client ID - https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-configure-an-external-app-for-a-course-using-a-client/ta-p/1071
• LTI 2 Registration URL - https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-configure-an-external-app-for-a-course-using-an-LTI-2/ta-p/1153

Adding LTI 1.3 Apps to Canvas

Apps that use the LTI 1.3 specification (ones that require developer keys) cannot be added manually to courses without first being added site-wide by IST Canvas administrators. Once added globally, it is then possible for tools to be deployed only in specific course contexts so instructors can use tools that they have licensed only for their course use. All apps that are added site-wide are REQUIRED to pass through a governance process and through governance approval through the Digital Teaching Learning and Student Experience Steering Committee

The governance process is still being documented but the basic steps involved are:

• Submit the revamped IST Technology Opportunity Proposal form for a determination of internal alignment and fit with the U of A's existing Digital Learning environment by the DTLSESC; if this passes:
• The eClass Support performs basic tool review and initial technical evaluation using a Canvas test server; if this passes:
• The requester submits the app for a security and privacy review; if this passes:
• The tool is reviewed by the DTLSESC and the VP Learning Initiatives for final approval; if this passes:
• The tool gets installed in Canvas and released to courses based on the governance guidelines provided.

Note that tool requests may be rejected based on a number of factors including existing overlapping functionality, technical or security concerns, problems with scope or costing models, etc. 

Using External Apps in Courses

Once added as apps, 1.1 or 1.3 tools can be used in courses in several ways:

• They can be added as direct links in modules by selecting the + icon, then selecting External Tool;
• Embedded in pages using the RTE editor;
• Selected as the submission type in assignments;
• or directly into the course left nav panel (if the tool allows it.)

The existing pre-installed institutionally-licensed University tools (listed below) can be used in courses in all these same methods. 

Existing (and In-Progress) LTI Tools in Canvas

Additional notes

• For course-installed tools, instructors should seek technical support from the tool vendor. Since most LTI tools act as pass-throughs to external applications, IST Support can only troubleshoot within Canvas. Please provide any vendor LTI documentation if contacting the eClass team.