You might not know the terminology: Application Programming Interface (API) and Learning Tools Interoperabilty (LTI). But educators will definitely know if those things are doing their job.

If they are, it means two pieces of software can safely exchange information in a seamless way. Software and apps work together allowing student information, classes and assigments to be managed from one location using multiple digital tools without a hiccup. Different applications can share login services, or student rosters, classes and assigments without having to log in to each app or duplicate the input of information.

For eduCanon, when API and LTI are working well, our educational, interactive videos can work with with learning management systems like Blackboard and Moodle. EduCanon can connect with PowerSchool or Google Classroom. Those things are important, so here are four reasons why API and LTI have become a significant focus for eduCanon’s half a million users.

1. LTI/API gives teachers the freedom to build a sweet suite of ed-tech tools.

Administrators recognize that there isn’t one silver bullet ed-tech product for every teacher’s classroom. One-size-fits-all-doesn’t-fit-all applies to teaching strategy as much as student learning styles. It’s the main reason we’ve tried to keep eduCanon flexible in its usage. Teachers create their own tool kit: SchoolTube is used to upload your video recording; eduCanon is used for video delivery and interactions; Turnitin is used for writing assignments; and Quizlet is used for flashcard.

2. All your LTI/API tools are accessible under one roof.

LTI/API allows eduCanon to be available in one central location for all teachers and students. Whether your school is using edmodo, Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, schoology, etc. (the list is huge in K-12), LTI means you can easily plug in an eduCanon video (either access into your eduCanon account or access to a specific lesson) with zero on-boarding effort. Students access eduCanon from the same location—no need to redirect them to new or different websites.

3. One password to rule them all.

Password management drains classroom energy and focus. With API and LTI neither students nor teachers need to juggle passwords; they have one password for their learning management system and then everything else is single sign-on. This value can also be found in Google Single-On and with the exciting new Google Classroom API, you can have all of the great LTI values of eduCanon through Google Classroom.

4. It’s better for students.

These systems help schools and classrooms run a tighter ship, more easily take advantage of the power of tools like eduCanon, and yield higher student achievement. We want to give teachers tools they can use to best help students excel. Integrations through API and LTI has allowed us to better achieve this mission.

 

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See also:

• Five Formative Assessment Tools Recommended by Teacher Experts
• Five Tools and Tips for Working With Students Online
• When Is and Educational App Classroom Worthy?

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For more information, visit @eduCanon123 on Twitter.