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Establishing a Forage LMS Integration for Blackboard

Emily Svrcek (Sentz)
Updated

Blackboard (LTI 1.3) Setup Instructions

 

Blackboard requires LTI tools to be registered in the Blackboard Developer Portal first. After registration, institutions can install the tool in Blackboard using the Client ID (Application ID).

Before you Start

You’ll need:

  • Admin access in Forage for Educators (to generate a Registration URL)
  • A Blackboard admin role (to register and install LTI tools)
  • Your Blackboard environment type:
    • Blackboard Learn / Ultra (self-hosted or managed hosting)
    • Blackboard SaaS (most common for new Ultra instances)

Step 1: Generate the Registration URL (Forage)

  1. Log into Forage for Educators as an Admin: https://educator.theforage.com/
  2. Go to LMS Integrations → Add Integration
  3. Copy the Registration URL

This is the URL Blackboard will use to perform Dynamic Registration (LTI 1.3).

Step 2: Register Forage in the Blackboard Developer Portal (Admin)

  1. Go to https://developer.blackboard.com/
  2. Sign in with your admin/developer account.
  3. Create a new LTI 1.3 application (often shown as Register your application or My Applications → Add).
  4. When prompted for registration details, choose Dynamic Registration and paste the Registration URL from Step 1.
  5. Complete the registration flow, reviewing any requested scopes/services (typical LTI Advantage services include):
    • Names and Roles Provisioning (NRPS)
    • Assignment and Grade Services (AGS) (required for grade passback)
  6. After registration completes, copy the Application ID / Client ID (you’ll use this to install the tool in Blackboard).

Step 3: Install / Enable Forage in Blackboard (Admin)

The exact menu names can vary by Blackboard version, but the flow is generally:

  1. In Blackboard Admin settings, go to the area for LTI Tool Providers / LTI 1.3 Tools / Integrations.
  2. Choose Install or Add Tool.
  3. Select By Client ID / Application ID.
  4. Paste the Client ID from Step 2.
  5. Submit / Install.
  6. Ensure the tool is Enabled/Available for the desired organizational scope (institution, node, or course availability depending on your setup).

Step 4: Add Forage to a Course (Instructor)

  1. Open the target Blackboard course.
  2. Turn Edit Mode on (if applicable).
  3. Add a new piece of course content (e.g., Content → Build Content, or Add Content in Ultra).
  4. Select the Forage LTI tool.
  5. Choose the Forage simulation/content to embed from the Forage content selector.
  6. Save / publish the item so learners can access it.

Step 5: Verify the Student Experience (Student)

  1. Student opens the course item that launches Forage.
  2. Blackboard launches Forage embedded in Blackboard.
  3. First-time launches may prompt the learner to create a Forage account; returning learners should be signed in automatically.
  4. Learner starts/continues the simulation; progress is saved in Forage.

Optional: Grade Passback (LTI AGS)

If your institution wants completion/score sent back to Blackboard:

  • Ensure AGS is enabled during Step 2 (registration) / Step 3 (installation).
  • Create the Blackboard item as an LTI graded activity (where supported).
  • Confirm the grading scheme (points vs complete/incomplete) aligns with the course setup.

Support & Troubleshooting

Common issues:

  • Tool not visible to instructors (tool not enabled at the right scope)
  • Incorrect Client ID/Application ID used during install
  • Missing AGS permissions (grade passback not working)
  • Launch errors due to redirect URL mismatch

For support, email: fg_forage-support@eab.com

Include:

  • Blackboard version/environment (SaaS vs Learn/Ultra)
  • Client ID/Application ID
  • Screenshot(s) of the tool registration + installation screens
  • Error message and course identifier

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