How to Set Up LRNRS in Canvas (LTI 1.3 Admin Guide)

Canvas LTI setup in plain English

There are two roles in any LTI rollout: the Canvas admin (one-time installation) and faculty (everyday use). The admin installs LRNRS at the account level so instructors can launch it from their courses without touching developer keys.

Step 1: Canvas admin installs LRNRS (one time)

1. Create the LTI key. In Canvas Admin, open Developer Keys and add an LTI Key using the LRNRS config URL: https://lrnrs.ai/api/lti/config.
2. Turn the key on. Save the key, toggle it on, and copy the Client ID Canvas generates.
3. Install the app. Go to Admin (or a specific course) → Settings → Apps → + App → By Client ID. Paste the Client ID and install.
4. Enable course navigation. If you install at the account level, instructors can add LRNRS in each course navigation menu.

What the Developer Key actually does

The Developer Key is how Canvas trusts an external tool. Canvas issues the Client ID and uses it to sign secure LTI launches. LRNRS never creates this key and never needs a secret from you.

You do not give LRNRS a private key. Canvas creates the key and uses it to sign LTI tokens that LRNRS verifies.

Step 2: Faculty launch LRNRS from their course

Once the admin installs LRNRS, instructors simply open their Canvas course and click LRNRS in the left navigation. LTI passes the course and user context automatically.

• No developer keys for instructors.
• No extra logins for students.
• Secure launch every time.

Step 3: Verify the launch and start using LRNRS

LRNRS validates the launch token, maps the Canvas course to LRNRS, and drops users into the correct experience (instructor or student).

Optional: assignment sync for concept detection

If you want LRNRS to analyze Canvas assignments for concept mastery, we can enable Canvas API sync. This is optional and can be added after the LTI install. Email hello@lrnrs.ai and we will guide you through it.

Need help or a setup checklist?

Email hello@lrnrs.ai. We can send a setup packet with the public configuration URL and install steps. We do not email secrets and we do not create Canvas keys on your behalf.

FAQ

Does it cost money to install an LTI tool?
No. Canvas does not charge a fee to install a tool. You only need admin access to create the LTI key.

Will faculty need the Developer Key?
No. The admin installs once, then faculty simply launch LRNRS inside their courses.