Compare delivery and integration options

Native LMS vs. LTI Integration: A Practical Comparison

Compare native LMS and LTI approaches across setup, provisioning, reporting, governance, learner access, and administration. The right option depends on your systems and requirements.

Integration Comparison
Choose based on your LMS, content, reporting, and administration requirements.
Choose based on your LMS, content, reporting, and administration requirements.

The Technical Comparison

Capability
Trainery Native
External LMS + LTI
Setup time
Depends on configuration and implementation scope
Depends on LMS, LTI services, security review, and implementation scope
User provisioning
Provisioning and assignment options depend on configuration
Provisioning depends on LMS and LTI services
Analytics
Reporting and dashboard options depend on configuration
Reporting depends on supported LTI services and LMS
License & access control
License and access controls depend on selected configuration
Access controls depend on both systems
Reporting for audits
Available exports, reports, and logs depend on configuration
Records and exports depend on LMS and tool configuration
Admin effort (ongoing)
Depends on program complexity
Depends on integration and administrative requirements
Best for
Teams that prefer a single learning environment
Teams that want to keep an existing LMS

Custom pricing available for multi-year and high-volume licenses

Explore Trainery Native

Compare Native LMS and LTI Options

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Native LMS Option

A native LMS can centralize users, learning, and reporting in one environment. Setup and ongoing administration still depend on configuration and implementation requirements.

Single-platform administration
Unified Dashboard
Provisioning options
Start Native Pilot

LTI Integration Option

A supported LTI configuration can keep the LMS as the primary learner environment while connecting external content or tools. Available services depend on both systems and the implementation.

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LMS Compatibility
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Supported LTI services
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IT Governance
View LTI Integration Docs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a native LMS and LTI?

A native LMS is the learning platform used directly to manage learners, content, assignments, records, and reporting within that system. Exact capabilities depend on the LMS and configuration.

Do I need an LMS to use LTI?

LTI requires an LTI-capable platform, commonly an LMS, to act as the platform side of the connection. If the organization does not already have a suitable learning platform, a native LMS may be simpler, but the decision depends on delivery and administration requirements.

Which option is faster to launch?

Neither approach is universally faster. Timing depends on LMS setup, LTI version and services, identity and provisioning, security review, content configuration, testing, and administrative requirements.

How does reporting differ between Native LMS and LTI?

Native LMS reporting depends on the LMS and configuration. LTI reporting depends on the LTI version, services supported by both systems, and implementation. Confirm exactly which data, such as launches, grades, roles, or other records, is exchanged.

Can we track completions and grades in our LMS?

Completion or grade data may be available when the LMS, external tool, LTI version, and required services support the exchange. Confirm the exact data flow and test it in the target LMS before relying on it for reporting.

Related Blogs

Compare Native LMS and LTI Options

Compare supported setup paths, content-delivery options, reporting needs, and implementation requirements with the TraineryXchange team.

Integration requirements vary by LMS, LTI services, content, security, and configuration.