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Torus

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What Torus is

Torus is an open platform for creating and delivering adaptive learning experiences. Educators can build courses using rich text, media, and interactive activities, then track student performance in real time to refine course content. Learning components can be reused, adapted, or remixed, and course changes and derivatives can be published and versioned. Its Activity Bank holds reusable items such as quiz questions that can be searched, tagged, and aligned with learning objectives. Branched multiple-choice activities can direct students to follow-up questions based on their responses, though the default scoring counts every activity on the page; a student may complete a branch without full credit or a completion checkmark. Torus supports LTI 1.3 (LTI Advantage) and is designed to pair with compatible learning management systems. Its extensible activity framework can include third-party activities. Users can choose a managed instance or run their own, with API access. Torus is free and open source under the MIT license, which its maker says allows commercial use and industry collaboration. OLI launched it in 2020.

Who it suits

Torus suits educators and institutions creating adaptive courses, as well as researchers working with learning experiences. It may fit teams that want reusable course content and a managed or self-hosted instance.

What it does well

  • Tracks student performance in real time.
  • Supports reusable, adaptable, versioned course components.
  • Integrates with LTI 1.3 learning tools.
  • Available as managed hosting or self-hosted software.
  • Free and open source under the MIT license.

What to know first

  • Default branched-activity scoring may not award full credit.
  • AI Activation Points require administrator enablement of DOT AI.
  • OLI says it is working toward applicable WCAG 2.2 AA criteria.

Getting started

  1. Visit the Torus website.
  2. Choose a managed Torus instance or run your own instance.
  3. Use the course authoring tools to create course content and activities.
  4. Connect to an LTI 1.3 compliant learning management system if needed.

Verdict

Torus combines course authoring, adaptive activities, and real-time performance data with options for managed or self-hosted use. Educators using branched questions should account for the default scoring behavior.

Questions

Is Torus free?

Yes. Torus is free and open source under the MIT license.

Can I self-host Torus?

Yes. OLI offers a managed instance, and users can also run their own instance.

Which learning management systems can it integrate with?

Torus supports LTI 1.3 (LTI Advantage) and is designed to pair with LTI 1.3 compliant learning management systems.

How does Torus handle branched activity scoring?

By default, it scores branched activities against all activities on the page. Students may finish their path without full credit or a completion checkmark.

Who makes Torus?

The Open Learning Initiative, a Carnegie Mellon University initiative, launched Torus in 2020.

Can course content be reused and adapted?

Yes. Educators can use, adapt, or remix learning components, and publish and version course changes and derivatives.

Facts from Torus's own pages

Accessibility status
OLI says it is working toward applicable WCAG 2.2 AA success criteria and links to a 2026 VPAT for Torus. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Activity bank
The Activity Bank stores reusable activities such as quiz questions, which can be searched, tagged, and aligned with learning objectives. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Adaptive questions
Branched multiple choice activities can route students to follow-up questions based on their responses. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
AI feature condition
AI Activation Points require DOT AI to be enabled in the course section by a system administrator. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Analytics
Torus tracks student performance in real time so educators can refine course content based on learner needs. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Branch scoring limitation
By default, Torus scores branched activities against all activities on the page, so students may complete their path without receiving full credit or a completion checkmark. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Community
Torus community meetings share roadmap updates, feature demonstrations, and invite feedback from educators, designers, and researchers. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Course creation
Torus combines course authoring and delivery, supporting rich text, media, and interactive activities. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Current release
Version 33 introduced an Instructor Intelligent Dashboard, Adaptive Pages enhancements, template management changes, accessibility improvements, and 151 platform updates. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Extensibility
An extensible activity framework can incorporate learning activities developed by third parties. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Founded
2020 · oli.cmu.edu, 28 Sept 2026
Headquarters
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States · oli.cmu.edu, 28 Sept 2026
Hosting
A managed Torus instance is available, or users can run their own instance. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Integration
Torus supports LTI 1.3 (LTI Advantage) and is designed to pair with LTI 1.3 compliant learning management systems. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Intended users
Torus is presented for educators building and customizing courses, and its community includes educators, designers, and researchers. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Interoperability
Torus supports LTI 1.3 (LTI Advantage) for integration with existing learning tools. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Learning science
Torus applies learning science to help educators design engaging learning experiences. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
License
Torus is available under the MIT license, which the maker says welcomes commercial use and industry collaboration. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Maker
The Open Learning Initiative (OLI) is a Carnegie Mellon University initiative; its about page says OLI launched Torus in 2020. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Performance data
Torus tracks student performance in real time so educators can refine course content. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Purpose
Torus is an open platform for creating, delivering, and optimizing adaptive learning experiences. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Reusable components
Educators can use, adapt, or remix learning components to fit their teaching goals. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026
Reusable content
Educators can use, adapt, or remix learning components, and the platform supports publishing and versioning course changes and derivatives. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Support
OLI lists [email protected] for accessibility feedback and support requests. · oli.cmu.edu, 5 Oct 2026

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