Top Hat LTI 1.3 Integration Now Live in D2L
We are pleased to announce that the Top Hat LTI 1.3 integration is now available in D2L Brightspace at the University of Calgary. This updated integration offers a more secure, streamlined, and user-friendly experience for both instructors and students. Key enhancements include:
- Improved data security and privacy
- Simplified course connection and roster syncing processes
- Automatic and manual grade synchronization options
- Direct access to Top Hat content via deep links in D2L
️ Getting Started
This guide is intended for instructors who have used Top Hat before and are familiar with how it works alongside D2L to support student engagement. If you are new to Top Hat, we recommend starting with the introductory resources available at: https://elearn.ucalgary.ca/category/top-hat/
⚠️ Transition Recommendation
If you have already begun using Top Hat in your current course through the existing 1.1/ Advanced Integration, we strongly advise not switching to the new integration mid-course. Doing so may result in data inconsistencies, disruptions to grade synchronization, and confusion for students who have already begun engaging with course materials.
However, if you are preparing to teach a course in an upcoming semester—or if students have not yet engaged with any Top Hat activities—you are encouraged to adopt the new LTI 1.3 integration.
Please note that the legacy integration will be gradually phased out, with full decommissioning anticipated after the Fall 2025 semester.
Steps to Set Up the New Integration
- Connect Your Courses
Follow these tutorials to link your D2L Brightspace course with Top Hat:
🔗 Top Hat + D2L Brightspace Integration Guide (Written Instructions)
🎥 How to Connect a D2L Course to Top Hat (Video)
- Roster Sync’ing
Top Hat’s LTI 1.3 integration automatically syncs your D2L Classlist nightly. Students who access your Top Hat course through D2L will be automatically added to the Top Hat class roster. There is no need upload a class list manually or send invitation emails to students.
- Use Deep Linking for Content
Learn how to embed Top Hat content/ activity directly into your D2L course:
🔗 Deep Linking Guide (Written Instructions)
- Select a Grade Syncing Method
🔗 Grade Syncing options (Written Instructions)
🎥 Automatic Grade Syncing (Video)
🎥 Manual Grade Syncing (Video)
- Support for Students
Students no longer have to wait for an invitation email. They may access the Top Hat course directly via D2L as the roster is updated daily.
Refer to the Student Enrollment Guide for details.
Note: Single Sign-On (SSO) is not available at this time. Students will need to log in to Top Hat using their email address and a manually set password.
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or require assistance during this transition, please contact Top Hat Support
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7AM – 7PM MST
Phone: +1 (888) 663-5491
Email: support@tophat.com
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Introduction to Top Hat
July 28, Monday, 10:00-11:20 am
Join us for an introduction to Top Hat and learn how to use our platform to engage your students before, during and after class. Instructors can choose to create their own content and follow along if they would like to do so. [Registration link will be available soon.]
Integrating Top Hat & D2L – Top Hat’s LTI 1.3
July 31, Thursday, 10:00-11:00 am
Elevate your course experience by harnessing the full power of Top Hat and D2L Brightspace integration. In this session, you’ll discover how Top Hat’s LTI 1.3 unlocks seamless grade and roster syncing, along with the ability to deep link interactive content directly into your Brightspace course—streamlining your workflow and enhancing student engagement. [Registration link will be available soon.]
