Safari LTI Integration Issues
Recent updates to the Safari web browser are preventing access to LTI content inside Learning Management Systems (LMS) including Blackboard. The issue stems from Apple trying to prevent websites from secretly tracking the browsing activity of Safari users. Unfortunately, these updates are preventing third-party tools from functioning properly.
Problem Description
The problem can present itself in multiple ways depending on the LTI integration. When using tools like CourseArc, for example, a student may see a troubleshooting screen suggesting that there may be a problem with the LTI connection or setup.
Workarounds
Option 1: Set Up LTI as a Specific Link
Some LTI tools will work in Safari if the integration is set up as a specific link vs. an integrated tool. The link must be set up to open in a new window, which allows Safari to set a new cookie.
Option 2: Use a Different Browser
Alternatively, users in courses with LTI integrations should use a browser other than Safari to access Blackboard (e.g., use Chrome or Firefox).
We recommend using Chrome or Firefox for the best LTI integration experience with Learning Flow.
Tested LTI Tools
The following table shows the compatibility status of various LTI tools with Safari in Blackboard environments:
| Tool | Vendor | Integration Type | Blackboard Partner Cloud | Works in Safari Original Course | Works in Safari Ultra Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Writer | APA | LTI | no | yes | yes |
| Acrobatiq | Cengage | Building Block / LTI | no | yes | yes |
| ALEKS | McGraw-Hill | LTI | no | NO | yes |
| Ally Accessibility Report | Bb | LTI | no | NO | NO |
| Ares Library Reserves | Atlas | LTI | no | NO | yes |
| Bookshelf by VitalSource | VitalSource | Building Block / LTI | no | yes | yes |
| Cengage Learning | Cengage | LTI | yes | yes | yes |
| CourseArc | CourseArc | LTI | no | NO | NO |
| InQuizitive | W.W. Norton | LTI | no | yes | yes |
| Microsoft OneNote | Microsoft | LTI | no | yes | NO |
| Qwickly Attendance | Qwickly | Building Block / LTI | no | yes | yes |
| Respondus LockDown Browser | Respondus Inc | LTI | no | yes | yes |
| Revel | Pearson | LTI | yes | yes | yes |
| VoiceThread | VoiceThread | LTI | no | NO | yes |
| WileyPLUS | Wiley | LTI | yes | partially | NO |
| zyBooks | zyBooks | LTI | no | yes | yes |
For a complete list of third-party tools and their compatibility status, please refer to your LMS provider's documentation.
Testing Parameters
The compatibility testing was conducted with the following parameters:
Browser & macOS Versions Used
- Safari 13.0.1 (14608.2.11.1.1) macOS 10.14.6 (18G95)
- Safari 12.1.1 (14607.2.6.1.1) macOS 10.14.5
Testing Configuration
- Disabled "block all cookies" to allow UMBC authentication to work in Safari
- Enabled "prevent cross-site tracking"
- If tool is enabled as a web link, it must be set to open in new window
- Pop-ups must be permitted for blackboard.umbc.edu
Applying This to Learning Flow
When integrating Learning Flow with your LMS via LTI 1.3:
- Ensure proper configuration: Follow the LTI Integration guides for your specific LMS
- Test with multiple browsers: Verify that your integration works across Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
- Configure link settings: If using Safari, ensure LTI links are configured to open in new windows
- Enable pop-ups: Make sure pop-ups are allowed for your LMS domain
- Cookie settings: Ensure that cross-site tracking prevention doesn't block necessary cookies
If you encounter issues with Safari, we strongly recommend switching to Chrome or Firefox for the most reliable LTI integration experience.
Getting Help
If you continue to experience issues with LTI integrations:
- Verify your browser and LMS versions
- Check that all prerequisites are met in the LTI Integration guide
- Contact Learning Flow Support for assistance
- Provide details about your browser, LMS version, and specific error messages