An external tool in Open LMS is used to create links to other tools and resources outside of Open LMS that require authentication (the user must login). External tools allow these resources to be easily accessed by just clicking a link. If you need assistance using the external tool, or you need an external resource to be linked using the external tool, please contact us.
Example External Tool : VoiceThread
To create an external tool, toggle the Edit Mode button in your course, select “Add an activity or resource” and select the activity “External tool” from the list.
Give the external tool link a name and set the tool type. The most common use of an external tool is VoiceThread. It is possible that you were provided with a URL to use if so, choose “Automatic” and enter the URL in the Launch URL textbox.
If the tool requires the submission of grades to Open LMS’ gradebook, check “Accept grades from the tool.” Then, set a grade for the tool. If there is no grade associated with the tool, set the Grade Type to “None”.
All external tools in Open LMS have a green puzzle piece icon. This green icon shows the an external source passes using Open LMS’s authentication (login) information to an external source.
Revised Dec. 2022