Built for online learning
BigBlueButton is an open source web conferencing system built for on-line learning.
BigBlueButton provides all the core capabilities you expect in a web conferencing system: real-time sharing of audio, video, presentation, and screen. BigBlueButton gives you many ways to engage users with interactive chat (public and private), multi-user whiteboard, shared notes, emojis, polling, and breakout rooms. You can record any session for later playback.
BigBlueButton client is pure HTML5 client. There is no app to install. The HTML5 client runs on all devices: laptop, desktop, chromebook and mobile (Android 6.0+ and iOS 12.2+). The HTML5 client uses the browser's built-in support for web real-time communications (WebRTC) to share audio, video, and screen with other users. We recommend Chrome and FireFox as they have the best support for WebRTC.
For Developers
Under the hood, the HTML5 client uses the React for a responsive experience. The BigBlueButton project is supported by a community of developers that care about good design and a streamlined user experience. See our documentation site for more information on how you can integrate BigBlueButton with your project.
Features
Record and Playback
BigBlueButton can record your sessions for later playback by students.
Whiteboard
The whiteboard controls let you annotate key parts of your presentation.
Desktop Sharing
You can broadcast your desktop for all users to see (requires lastest version of Java for presenter only).
WebRTC Audio
Users of Chrome and FireFox browsers will benefit from high-quality, low-latency WebRTC audio.
Presentation
You can upload any PDF presentation or MS office document. BigBlueButton keeps everyone in sync with your current slide, zoom, pan, annotations, and mouse pointer.
Web Cam
Multiple users can share their webcam at the same time. There is no built-in limit on the number of simultaneously active webcams.
Emoji
Students can raise hand and use emoji icons for feedback.
Polling
You can poll students anytime to increase engagement.
Chat
You can interact with students through public and private chat.
Live Captioning
You can enter live captions for students. These captions will later appear as subtitles in recordings.
Breakout Rooms
You can group and place students into breakout rooms (full BigBlueButton sessions) for give number of minutes for increased collaboration.
Screen Reader
Students with visual disabilities can use JAWS screen reader to interact with BigBlueButton.
