Launching REST API tool in iFrame

[conorepo]

I'm wondering about the capabilities of launching an integrated tool in a Canvas-nested iFrame. Is this possible without implementing LTI specs...?

I'm currently working on a tool that's written as a REST API consumer (for good reason - LTI doesn't provide access to much of what this tool is helping with). I haven't seen anything in the API docs that indicates this can be done, but I could easily have missed something. If anyone has some insight, it would be heavily appreciated!

[DecoyLex]

Hi @conorepo,

It'd be very unusual for a tool integrated into Canvas to sidestep any kind of LTI integration. The only way to do this without implementing the LTI spec would be to install the tool through custom javascript. Some tools take this approach, such as Pronto, which displays a chat window within the user's current screen.

Pronto Chat popup window

Most tools, including Pronto, opt to use LTI for authentication and then immediately redirect to the API. Generally this is the best approach if your tool isn't trying to do any kind of novel placements within Canvas (e.g., Pronto's popup or Blackboard Ally's accessibility dials).

I hope this helps.