Anyone hosting an online event with BigBlueButton should be familiar with the key areas of the user interface. Where can you find the participants? How do the chat, microphone, and webcam work? And where can you add to your presentation using a whiteboard?
In our video, we'll show you the different sections right within BigBlueButton. You'll see where to find the most important features and how to use the interface as a moderator.
This video is Part 1 of our guide to the BigBlueButton interface for moderators.
You can find more tutorials in our BigBlueButton playlist on YouTube.
An Overview of the BigBlueButton Interface
After starting a BigBlueButton session, you'll see various sections that allow you to manage the session and communicate with participants.
On the left-hand side is the participants view. Here you can see who is participating in the session. Depending on the configuration, additional features for managing participants may be available there.
In the "Communication" section, you'll find the public chat. Messages posted there can be read by all participants. The chat is ideal, for example, for quick notes, questions, or feedback during an event.
In addition to public chat, BigBlueButton offers other ways to communicate and collaborate.
Control the Microphone and Webcam
At the bottom of the screen, you'll find the controls for the microphone and webcam.
You can turn your microphone on and off using the microphone icon. Depending on the version of BigBlueButton you're using and your configuration, you can also select the audio devices you want to use through the corresponding audio settings.
Use the camera icon to control your webcam. The first time you access it, the browser may ask for permission to use the camera. You must grant this permission so that BigBlueButton can stream your camera feed.
Share Screen
You can use the screen-sharing icon to share your screen with the other participants. This allows you to show, for example, applications, websites, or other content that is not part of your presentation.
Screen sharing is one of BigBlueButton's key features for online classes and digital events.
Reactions and Show of Hands
Participants and moderators can also use reactions via the control bar. This allows you, for example, to quickly respond to a comment without using the chat.
Another important feature is the "raise hand" function. Participants can use it to signal that they would like to speak or ask a question. As the moderator, you can then lower the raised hand.
These features are especially helpful for keeping communication organized during larger online events. In its latest versions, BigBlueButton has further integrated the "raise hand" and "reactions" features into the user interface.
Presentation and Whiteboard
A central part of the BigBlueButton interface is the presentation area. Here, you can view the content that has been shared and edit or highlight it using various tools during the session.
Using the toolbar, you can, for example, highlight sections of a presentation or use a whiteboard on a suitable slide. There, you can create drawings and other markings.
BigBlueButton also supports a multi-user whiteboard. This allows multiple people to work together on a presentation or whiteboard.
As the moderator, you can decide whether participants should be able to edit the whiteboard together. This allows you to use the whiteboard, for example, for a group exercise or an interactive session.
Shared Notes
BigBlueButton also offers a section for shared notes to facilitate collaboration. This is where you can record content created collaboratively during a session.
This allows facilitators, for example, to take notes or document the results of a discussion.
Key Features for Moderators
The BigBlueButton user interface brings together many of the features you need for an online event:
- View and Manage Participants
- communicate via chat
- Control the Microphone and Audio
- Turn the Webcam On and Off
- Share Screen
- Use Reactions
- Use hand raises
- View and Edit Presentations
- Use the whiteboard
- Create shared notes
The features that are actually available may depend on the version of BigBlueButton being used and the specific configuration. The current BigBlueButton documentation lists chat, screen sharing, whiteboard, raising a hand, and reactions, among other features, as part of the system.
Using BigBlueButton with Moodle
BigBlueButton can be integrated into Moodle, making it suitable for online classes, training sessions, and virtual events directly within Learning Management System.
eLeDia supports you with Moodle, Moodle Workplace , and BigBlueButton—from technical implementation and hosting to consulting and training your employees.
Would you like to learn more about our BigBlueButton server solutions? Please feel free to contact us.
