How do I integrate OpenStax Assignable with D2L/Brightspace?

OpenStax Assignable Checklist

  • Coordinate with administrators who have developer or admin access to LMS settings.
  • Ensure compatibility with LTI 1.3.
  • Note that beta, sandbox, or test environments are not supported.
  • Assignable only needs to be integrated once. Please double-check that the tool isn't already available in your LMS.
  • Complete all steps outlined in this help article.

Register the Tool in D2L

  1. Log in to your D2L account and navigate to the Admin menu. Click "Manage Extensibility".

    D2L Admin menu with the Manage Extensibility option highlighted

  2. Click the "Register Tool" button.

    Manage Extensibility screen with the Register Tool button

  3. Select "Dynamic" for the registration type. Enter the following URL in the "Tool initiation registration endpoint" field. Make sure to select the "Configure Deployment" checkbox. Once these steps are complete, click the "Register" button.

    Tool registration form with Dynamic selected, the endpoint URL field, and Configure Deployment checkbox

  4. The next screen should be the OpenStax LTI registration form. Fill in the LTI admin contact details and select your institution from the dropdown menu. Once these steps are completed, click "Submit".

    OpenStax LTI registration form with contact details and institution dropdown

Configure the Deployment

  1. Return to the D2L/Brightspace admin menu and click on "External Learning Tools".

    D2L admin menu with External Learning Tools option

  2. Click the deployment name (OpenStax) to ensure all settings are correct.

    External Learning Tools list showing the OpenStax deployment

  3. Ensure the deployment is enabled, all extensions are enabled, Org Unit Information is checked, and all sending usernames and email addresses are enabled.

    OpenStax deployment settings showing enabled status and extension options User information settings with Org Unit Information, usernames, and email addresses enabled

  4. Select "Auto Create Grade Items" in the Configuration Settings area. Grades will now be automatically created in the grade book after receiving a score from the LTI tool for the first time.

    Configuration Settings with Auto Create Grade Items selected

  5. Click "Add Org Units".

    Deployment settings with the Add Org Units button

  6. Select the organizational units that can access the tool. To enable the tool for the entire organization, select an organization and check "This org unit and all descendants." Then, select the checkbox on the left and click "Add." Once you have completed this and the previous steps, click "Save and Close."

    Add Org Units dialog with organization selected and This org unit and all descendants checked

  7. Return to the External Learning Tools and click the tool to edit it.

    External Learning Tools list with OpenStax tool available to edit

  8. Ensure the tool is enabled and click "Save and Close."

    Tool settings with enabled status and Save and Close button

  9. The next screen should confirm that the tool is enabled. Global setup should now be complete, and you can proceed to course setup. Please continue to step 14 to ensure instructors have access to grading using the tool.

    Confirmation screen showing the OpenStax tool is enabled

Configure Grading and Deep Linking

  1. Return to the administrator settings and click "External Learning Tools."

    Administrator settings with External Learning Tools option

  2. Select OpenStax to adjust the settings for this tool.

    External Learning Tools list with OpenStax selected

  3. Under "Security Settings," ensure that "Org Unit Information" is selected, allowing OpenStax Assignable to receive context information and avoid grading issues. Save and close.

    Security Settings with Org Unit Information checkbox selected

  4. Click View Links at the bottom of the page, then select "Create a deep linking link." For the URL field, enter: https://lti-gateway.openstax.org/lti/app

  5. Setup is complete, and the instructor can find the tool under "Third Party" when adding a Quicklink to an assignment.

    D2L assignment editor showing the OpenStax tool listed under Third Party in the Quicklink menu

Once your school has successfully integrated with the Assignable tool, you will no longer need to repeat these steps. You're all set to create assignments. To proceed with the Assignable setup process, please view the help article, How do I create an OpenStax Assignable assignment in Brightspace by D2L?

AssignableFaculty