Student Experience Guide

What is LTI Integration?

LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) integration connects your Learning Management System (like Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle) directly with PrepareBuddy. This means you can access PrepareBuddy assignments directly from your course without managing separate logins or passwords.

How It Works for You

Simple Access Process

Log into your LMS (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.) as usual
Click on a PrepareBuddy assignment in your course
Automatically access PrepareBuddy - no additional login required
Complete your assessment using the full PrepareBuddy platform
Your grade automatically appears in your LMS gradebook

What You'll See

Your Real Account: If you already have a PrepareBuddy account, you'll see your existing progress and settings
Your Real Email: You'll see your actual email address (like student@university.edu), not a generic account
Full Platform Access: Complete access to all PrepareBuddy features, not just the assigned content
Automatic Grades: Your scores appear in your LMS gradebook within seconds of completion

Getting Started

First Time Access

When you first click a PrepareBuddy assignment:

Click the Assignment Link in your LMS course
Wait for Redirect - you'll be automatically sent to PrepareBuddy
Account Recognition - PrepareBuddy will recognize you and log you in
Start Learning - begin using the platform immediately

If You Already Have a PrepareBuddy Account

The integration is smart enough to link your LMS access to your existing PrepareBuddy account:

Same Progress: All your previous work and progress will be available
Same Settings: Your preferences and customizations remain
Same History: Your test history and analytics are preserved
Seamless Experience: Switch between direct access and LMS access anytime

If You're New to PrepareBuddy

If this is your first time using PrepareBuddy:

Automatic Account Creation: An account is created for you automatically
Real Email Used: Uses your actual university/school email address
Full Access: Complete access to the entire platform
Your Progress Saved: Everything you do is saved to your account

Using PrepareBuddy Through LTI

What You Can Do

Once you access PrepareBuddy through your LMS:

Take Assigned Assessments: Complete the specific assignment your teacher created
Explore Additional Content: Use any other PrepareBuddy features and content
Practice and Study: Access practice tests, study materials, and learning resources
Track Your Progress: View your performance analytics and improvement over time

Types of Assignments

Your teachers might create different types of PrepareBuddy assignments:

Language Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT, PTE practice tests
Quizzes: Traditional multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank assessments
Writing Exercises: Essay and writing assessment activities
Custom Exams: Teacher-created tests specific to your course
Practice Activities: Ungraded practice sessions for skill building

Grade Synchronization

One of the best features of the integration:

Automatic Grading: Your scores automatically appear in your LMS gradebook
Real-time Updates: Grades sync within 10 seconds of completion
Accurate Scores: Exact scores from your PrepareBuddy activities
Multiple Attempts: If allowed by your teacher, you can attempt assignments multiple times

Accessing Your Work

From LMS: Click any PrepareBuddy assignment to access the platform
Direct Access: You can also log into PrepareBuddy directly anytime
Mobile Access: Use PrepareBuddy on your phone or tablet
Offline Capability: Some features work offline for studying anywhere

Your Dashboard

When you access PrepareBuddy, you'll see:

Recent Activity: Your latest tests and assignments
Progress Tracking: Visual representation of your improvement
Upcoming Assignments: Due dates and pending work
Performance Analytics: Detailed insights into your learning

Account Settings

You can customize your experience:

Profile Information: Update your name and preferences
Notification Settings: Choose how you want to receive updates
Privacy Settings: Control what information is shared
Learning Preferences: Customize the interface for your needs

Common Student Scenarios

Scenario 1: Regular Assignment Completion

What you do: Click assignment → Complete assessment → Grade appears in LMS Expected time: 5-60 minutes depending on assignment type Result: Automatic grade sync to your LMS gradebook

Scenario 2: Practice and Study

What you do: Access PrepareBuddy → Explore additional content → Practice tests Benefit: Improve skills beyond just assigned work Note: Practice activities may not sync grades (depends on teacher settings)

Scenario 3: Multiple Attempts

What you do: Retake assignment to improve score (if allowed) Expected behavior: Latest score typically syncs to LMS Tip: Check with your teacher about their multiple attempt policy

Scenario 4: Technical Issues

What to do: First, try refreshing your browser or using a different browser If problems persist: Contact your teacher or technical support Emergency access: You can always access PrepareBuddy directly at preparebuddy.com

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"I can't access the assignment"

Try these solutions: 1. Refresh your browser page 2. Clear your browser cache and cookies 3. Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) 4. Check if you're properly enrolled in the course 5. Contact your teacher if the issue persists

"I see the wrong account or email"

This might happen if: - Your LMS email doesn't match your PrepareBuddy email - You have multiple PrepareBuddy accounts What to do: Contact your teacher or PrepareBuddy support to link accounts properly

"My grade didn't appear in the LMS"

Most common causes: - You didn't actually complete an assessment (just browsed content) - Grade sync is still processing (wait 1-2 minutes) - Assignment wasn't configured for grade passback What to do: Complete an actual assessment, wait a few minutes, then contact your teacher if grade doesn't appear

"The website looks different than usual"

This is normal: PrepareBuddy may look slightly different when accessed through LTI Why: Some interface elements are optimized for LMS integration Don't worry: All functionality is the same

Try these steps: 1. Make sure you're accessing through your LMS, not directly 2. Clear browser cookies and try again 3. Try accessing in an incognito/private browser window 4. Contact technical support if the issue continues

Privacy and Security

Your Information

Email Address: Your real institutional email is used for account linking
Name: Your real name from your LMS is used
Grades: Only sent to your specific course gradebook
Privacy: Your work is private between you, your teachers, and PrepareBuddy

Data Security

Secure Connection: All data is transmitted using industry-standard encryption
No Shared Passwords: Your LMS password is never shared with PrepareBuddy
Account Protection: Your PrepareBuddy account is protected with industry-standard security

What's Shared

With Your Teacher: Your grades and completion status
With Your LMS: Your assessment scores and submission timestamps
Not Shared: Your detailed performance data stays private unless you choose to share it

Tips for Success

Getting the Most from Integration

Use Both Access Methods: Access PrepareBuddy through LMS for assignments, directly for extra practice
Explore Beyond Assignments: Take advantage of all PrepareBuddy features
Track Your Progress: Use the analytics to identify areas for improvement
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice leads to better outcomes

Technical Best Practices

Use Updated Browsers: Keep your web browser up to date
Stable Internet: Ensure reliable internet connection for best experience
Save Your Work: While work auto-saves, it's good practice to complete activities in one session
Mobile Friendly: Feel free to use your phone or tablet when convenient

Academic Success

Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to complete assignments
Read Instructions: Your teacher may have specific requirements
Ask Questions: Reach out to your teacher if you're unsure about anything
Use Feedback: Pay attention to the detailed feedback PrepareBuddy provides

Getting Help

For Technical Issues

Try Basic Troubleshooting: Refresh page, clear cache, try different browser
Contact Your Teacher: They can verify assignment settings and help troubleshoot
Contact Support: Email support@preparebuddy.com for technical assistance
Emergency Phone: Call 1-800-PREPARE for urgent technical issues

For Academic Questions

Your Teacher: Always your first resource for course-specific questions
PrepareBuddy Help: Use the built-in help system within the platform
Study Resources: Access built-in tutorials and help materials

For Account Issues

Email Support: support@preparebuddy.com
Include Information: Your name, school, course, and description of the issue
Response Time: Usually within 24 hours during business days

Benefits You'll Experience

Convenience

No Extra Passwords: Use your existing LMS credentials
Seamless Access: One click from assignment to assessment
Automatic Grading: No waiting for teacher to manually enter grades
Mobile Compatible: Study anywhere, anytime

Academic Benefits

Immediate Feedback: Get detailed results as soon as you complete assessments
Progress Tracking: See your improvement over time
Comprehensive Practice: Access to extensive test preparation materials
Personalized Learning: Content adapts to your skill level and needs

Real-World Preparation

Authentic Testing Experience: Practice with real test formats and conditions
Industry-Standard Content: High-quality materials used by educational institutions worldwide
Comprehensive Skill Development: Build skills that transfer beyond the classroom
Professional Certification Prep: Prepare for real language proficiency and standardized tests

The LTI integration makes accessing PrepareBuddy simple and automatic, so you can focus on learning and improving your skills rather than dealing with technical complications.