BigBlueButton – LTI SITE SANDBOX

Supported by LT&I	Yes
Cost	Free
Privacy	Compliant with FIPPA and Institutional Policies
Bandwidth	High
Equipment	Web browser, camera, microphone
Integration	Moodle

What is BigBlueButton?

BigBlueButton is an open source virtual classroom software for synchronous discussions or lectures between students and instructors. Emphasis is placed on real-time communication. Sessions can easily be recorded and made available; however, uploading may take several hours or even days depending on the size of the recording. If you are looking for a screen/webcam recording and video platform that integrates into Moodle, refer to our Kaltura guide.

What Can You Use it For?

BigBlueButton can be used for engaging synchronous lectures, discussions, or meetings by making use of the following features:

Upload presentation files

Easily upload presentation files to be shared with students, such as PowerPoint, Word, Excel, or PDF documents.

Interactive Whiteboard

Annotate your uploaded presentation files, or enable the multi-user whiteboard to allow students to annotate with you.

Video upload

Share external videos live with other users by simply adding the video URL.

screen share

Share your screen and, optionally, your computer audio live with your viewers.

breakout rooms

Create breakout rooms for smaller group work or discussions. Breakout rooms can be timed, and allow instructors to easily pop in and out.

chat

Send public and private messages.

polling

Conduct a poll of users at any time with various response type options.

shared notes

Utilize the shared notes feature for collaborative note taking.

access multiple ways

Create a BigBlueButton room directly in Moodle, or outside of Moodle to host guest lecturers!

interactivity

Use interactive options such as raising your hand or setting your status with an emoji to quickly express yourself.

How Can You Access It?

Access BigBlueButton via Greenlight

Did you know all TRU faculty, staff, and students can access and host their own personal BigBlueButton room via Greenlight? Simply login with your TRU credentials at https://bigblue1.tru.ca/b. Greenlight is external to Moodle, meaning viewers are not required to login. This can be a great option for online guest lecturers, or for students to organize their own virtual study groups.