Outdated Method
This guide explains how to connect Blackboard to GMetrix using Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) 1.1.
LTI 1.1 is an older connection standard. Do not use this method if your Blackboard instance supports LTI Advantage (LTI 1.3). Use the Blackboard LTI 1.3 setup guide instead.


Check which standard you're using

Your Blackboard instance supports LTI 1.3 if you see "LTI Advantage" or are asked for any of the following:

• Client ID
• Registration URL
• OIDC URL

Even if your version of Blackboard supports both versions of LTI, we recommend LTI Advantage (LTI 1.3). It's easier to manage and more secure.

Use LTI 1.1 to open GMetrix from Blackboard when LTI 1.3 is unavailable. A Blackboard administrator registers GMetrix once as an approved Tool Provider. Instructors can then create a separate course link for each GMetrix Course or Practice Exam.


Contact GMetrix Support before continuing with a self-hosted, district-wide, multi-school, or other complex implementation.


Before You Begin

Keep Blackboard and the GMetrix Administrator Portal open in separate browser tabs while you follow this guide. Values shown in GMetrix take priority over examples in this guide.

  • Make sure you have access to the GMetrix Administrator Portal.

  • Make sure you have Blackboard administrator permission to configure external apps for the intended account.

  • Do not share the Consumer Key or Shared Secret in email, screenshots, or course content.

Choose Where to Start

  • Register GMetrix: Complete Part 1 when GMetrix is not listed as an approved LTI 1.1 Tool Provider.

  • Add a resource: Skip to Part 2 when the provider is already approved but the required Course or Practice Exam is not in the course.

  • Test an existing resource: Skip to Part 3 when the resource link already exists.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Part 1: Register the GMetrix Tool Provider

A Blackboard administrator completes this part once for the applicable Blackboard environment. Do not register the provider again for each course or resource.


In Blackboard

  1. Open the Administrator Panel.

  2. Under Integrations, select LTI Tool Providers.

  3. Confirm that the GMetrix provider is not already listed as Approved.

  4. Select Register LTI 1.1 Provider.

  5. Enter the GMetrix Provider Domain in Provider Domain.

  6. Select Approved from the Provider Domain Status list.

  7. Select Set Globally under Default Configuration.


In GMetrix: Copy the Connection Values

  1. In the GMetrix Administrator Portal, select Integrations from the sidebar.

  2. Locate the LTI 1.1 section.

  3. Switching between GMetrix and Blackboard, copy and paste the GMetrix LTI 1.1 credentials into their corresponding Blackboard fields:

    • Consumer Key

    • Shared Secret

    • Launch URL


In Blackboard: Finish the Registration

After pasting the credentials in their respective fields:

  1. Select Send user data only over SSL under Institution Policies.

  2. Select Name and Email Address under User Fields to Send.

  3. Select Submit.

  4. Confirm that the GMetrix provider appears with an Approved status.

Keep resource parameters out of the provider

Do not add accesscode or gmxresourcekey to Tool Provider Custom Parameters. Those values identify one resource and belong on the course link.


Part 2: Add a GMetrix Resource

Complete this part once for each GMetrix Course or Practice Exam that is not already available in the Blackboard course. Do not repeat Part 1.

In GMetrix

  1. In the GMetrix Administrator Portal, select Integrations from the sidebar.

  2. Locate the Link a Specific Resource section.

  3. Enter the Resource Key (gmxresourcekey) for the Course or Practice Exam.

    • Use the Look up button to find a specific resource key.

  4. Enter the Access Code for the intended Classroom or group.

    • Use the Look up button to find a specific Classroom or group's code.

  5. After the custom parameters appear, select Copy All Parameters.


In Blackboard

  1. Open the intended Blackboard course.

  2. Open the Course Content page.

  3. Go to the location where the resource should appear.

  4. Select the add control (+).

  5. Select Create.

  6. Select Teaching tools with LTI connection.

  7. Enter a name that identifies the GMetrix resource.

  8. Set the item to Visible to students when it is ready.

  9. Select https:// from the protocol list.

  10. Enter the GMetrix Launch URL in the URL field.

  11. Paste the generated accesscode and gmxresourcekey lines into Custom Parameters exactly as provided.

  12. Enable grading and enter the point value when the item should receive Practice Exam scores.

  13. Configure the remaining course settings.

  14. Select Save.


Part 3: Confirm the Resource

  1. Open the saved GMetrix content item.

  2. Confirm that GMetrix opens without another sign-in prompt.

  3. Confirm that the intended Course or Practice Exam opens.

  4. Test the item with an appropriate learner account or preview method.

After Setup

Single sign-on (SSO)

The LTI connection signs learners in when they open GMetrix from Blackboard.


Grade Passback

Supported Practice Exam scores can return to Blackboard when the LMS item is configured for grading.


Resource management

Reuse the provider or app that is already configured. Add another resource-level link, activity, material, or app only when you need a different GMetrix resource.


Skills Management System (SMS)

Learners must install the desktop application for in-app tests. The macOS version is called SMSe. AutoCAD and Microsoft Office tests require SMS for Windows.

Additional Resources