Blackboard Integrations

What Is an Integration?

A Blackboard integration is any content or tool that is created outside of the Blackboard environment (usually by a third-party vendor) but that is accessed and used within Blackboard itself. 

LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) 1.3 is the latest standard for integrating external learning tools into Blackboard. These tools can offer a range of functionality, including:

• Deep Linking: Allows instructors to insert specific content (e.g., quizzes, videos, readings) from the external tool directly into their Blackboard course(s).
• eTextbooks and Couseware: Some tools provide access to digital textbooks, adaptive learning platforms, or publisher content.
• Assessment an Collaboration Tools: LTI tools may support simulations, peer review, or custom assessments.

LTI 1.3 improves security and user experience by supporting single sign-on (SSO), grade passback, and role-based access.

What Integrations Are Currently in Blackboard?

Blackboard has the following publisher and 3rd party tools available for instructor use:

• NBD Netlabs+
• OneNote Class Notebook
• Pearson MyLab, Mastering and Revel
• Perusall
• Piazza
• Picmonic
• Pivot Interactives
• PressBooks 
• ProctorU
• Qwickly Attendance
• Sail()
• SmarterMeasure
• Student Evaluations
• Stukent
• Testing Center
• TestOut
• Top Hat
• uCertify 
• Vista Higher Learning
• W.W. Norton
• Wiley PLUS
• YuJa 
• YuJa Panorama
• Zoom
• zyBooks

• Microsoft Education Assignments
• Using Reflect via the Microsoft Education Integration
• Using Class Notebook via the Microsoft Education Integration
• Using Teams via the Microsoft Education Integration
• Using OneDrive via the Microsoft Education Integration
• Scheduling a Teams Meeting with the Microsoft Education Integration
• Microsoft Education Integration for Blackboard
• Using the Bookstore: My Materials LTI in Blackboard
• Using the Zoom LTI Pro integration in Blackboard Ultra Courses
• Submitting Test Details with the Testing Center tool in Blackboard
• Using Respondus LockDown Browser in Blackboard Original Courses

Requesting Third-Party Tool Integrations

To request a third-party tool be added to Blackboard Ultra, faculty must complete the Integration Request Form. When completing the form, be prepared to provide:

• Tool name and website
• Support contact information (email or phone – not just a chatbot)
• Courses and faculty who will use the tool
• Licensing or cost requirements

This form helps our team evaluate the tool’s technical compatibility, instructional value, and compliance with institutional policies.

Review Timeline and Evaluation Criteria

Most requests are reviewed within 2-3 weeks, though complex integrations may take longer. Each request is individually evaluated by our Learning Technologies team to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and basic functionality in Blackboard. If the tool does not meet the requirements set forth by LT staff, the request may be denied.

Reasons a Request May Not Recommended for Installation

Integration requests may be reccomended for installation for the following reasons:

• Accessibility Non-Compliance: If the vendor cannot provide a valid VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template). This ensures we meet federal and institutional accessibility standards.
• Insufficient Support: Tools must offer meaningful support for faculty and students. If the only support is a chatbot or there’s no clear contact for troubleshooting, the tool may not be recommended for installation.
• Security or Privacy Concerns: Tools must comply with FERPA and institutional data policies.
• Technical Incompatibility: Some tools may not function properly within Blackboard Ultra or may conflict with existing systems.