Extending Moodle: Plug Ins and LTIs

Moodle is designed to be extensible. On top of the basic out-of-the-box features, Moodle administrators can add extra tools directly into Moodle, and can also enable Moodle to communicate with external tools (for sharing information, enabling single sign-on, transferring grades into Moodle, and so on).

  • Incorporating new features directly into Moodle is achieved through adding plug ins.
  • Enabling Moodle to communicate with external tools (that remain separate from Moodle) is done through Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI).

Instructors sometimes come across potentially useful new plug ins, or want to allow their courses to communicate with external tools. We have processes and procedures in place to allow for these requests to be made, while keeping Moodle running smoothly and safeguarding privacy and security. This section explains the processes for requesting a plug in or an LTI, as well as some steps you should take before requesting these.


Moodle plugins are customizable tools or features that can be added to Moodle to enhance its functionality and tailor it to specific teaching and learning needs. These plugins can range from interactive activities, like quizzes and games, to tools for communication, content sharing, and data analysis. 

If there's a specific plugin you'd like to incorporate into your Moodle course, or if you have ideas for new features, please reach out to our eLearning support team at elsupport@vcc.ca. They'll guide you through the process and help evaluate the plugin's feasibility and compatibility.


What is LTI?

LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) in Moodle is a standard that allows educators to integrate external learning tools seamlessly into their Moodle courses. These tools, which can include third-party apps, content, or services, work within Moodle to enhance course functionality and provide students with a richer learning experience. Examples of LTIs include Pearson MyLab, Elsevier Evolve, and GoReact. A common use of LTIs is to connect a Moodle course with content from an external provider, such as a textbook provider.

Before you request a new LTI

Allow plenty of time before you need to incorporate a new LTI in your teaching. Exploring and implementing a new LTI is a time-consuming process, so you need to be thinking about requirements at least 4 month before the start of a course that will be using the LTI (and preferably longer).

Submitting a request for a new LTI

Please fill out the New LTI Request Form to request an LTI integration:

Try to address as many of the questions on the form as possible when making the request. Take time to explore the ‘fine print’, or send an email to the customer representative for the tool provider if you need more information.  

LTI integrations require the third-party tool provider to work with us to integrate LTI tools. The license holder will be required to: 

  • Work with eLSupport to ensure that the LTI conforms to VCC policies. 
  • Assume all support responsibilities for the configured LTI tool. 
  • Work with eLSupport in Moodle to test the LTI in a test environment. 

Typically, the review, approval, testing, and activation on the production system, will take 4-6 months to complete, assuming no issues are found. If after review and testing, the LTI is not suitable for use by VCC faculty and students, you will be notified, and you’ll have to find an alternative to your request. 

For answers to any additional questions, you may have regarding the integration of LTI tools into your Moodle courses, please send an email message to eLSupport (link TBD).