In this how-to guide, we'll show you how to create a BigBlueButton activity in a Moodle course and configure it for an online session.
You'll learn, step by step, how to add BigBlueButton to Moodle and what basic settings you can configure.
In this video:
- Add BigBlueButton to Moodle
- Create a BigBlueButton Activity
- Configure Basic Settings
- Preparing an Online Event in Moodle
What requirements must be met?
To create a BigBlueButton activity, you need editing permissions in the Moodle course. In addition, the activity must be enabled by your Moodle administrator and connected to a usable BigBlueButton service. This integration has been a standard feature since Moodle 4.0; however, the operation of the video conferencing server is separate from this.
These instructions describe how to set up BigBlueButton within a Moodle course, not how to install a BigBlueButton server. Specific terms and available options may vary depending on the version and configuration of your Learning Management System .
Creating a BigBlueButton Activity: Step by Step
1. Open the Moodle course and add an activity
Open the desired Moodle course and enter edit mode. In the appropriate course section, select “Create an activity or resource” and then “BigBlueButton.” This will take you to the settings for the new activity.
Place the room, if possible, where it belongs in terms of content: for example, in the section for the respective workshop or in a separate area for regular live events.
2. Enter a name and description
Give the activity a descriptive name. This name will appear in the Moodle course. If necessary, add a description with information about the event.
Instead of “BigBlueButton,” we recommend, for example , “Live Workshop: Introduction to Project Management” or “Open Office Hours for the Course.”
Briefly describe what participants can expect and how they should prepare. For example:
In this live workshop, we'll discuss your questions about the first learning unit and work through a case study together. Please read the introductory text in preparation. Please join the session a few minutes before it starts to check your audio settings.
You can also enter a welcome message that will appear in the chat when participants join the conference room. This is a good place to include, for example, a brief note about the agenda or how to handle questions.
3. Define Roles and Set Up Access to the Meeting
In the "Assigned Roles" section, check who should join with moderator privileges and who should join as a participant. You can configure these assignments for course roles or individual users.
For a guided workshop, it’s a good idea to grant moderation rights to the host and, if necessary, a co-host. Moderators can, among other things, mute microphones, assign presentation rights, and manage participants.
The "Wait for Moderator" setting prevents participants from entering the room until someone with moderator privileges is present.
When doing so, consider what usage scenario you are planning: This setting makes sense for a moderated training session. For a self-organized learning space, however, you should explicitly define how the group is allowed to use the space on its own.
4. Set the schedule for the video conference
In the "Schedule" section, you can specify the start and end times for joining the room. The conference times can appear in the Moodle calendar.
Practical Tip: Open the doors a little earlier than the actual start time of the event. For example, if your workshop starts at 10:00 a.m., you can open the room as early as 9:45 a.m. This gives you time to check the equipment and allow participants a few minutes to arrive.
Make sure that the information in the course description, the invitation, and the activity settings all match.
5. Prepare the presentation and recording
You can upload a standard presentation via the Moodle integration before the session. This is useful, for example, for a welcome slide, the agenda, or prepared assignments.
Also, check whether you want to record the event and whether your setup supports this feature. Enabling the recording feature does not automatically start a recording. For manual recording, the moderator must start the recording during the session by clicking the corresponding button.
Determine in advance what content will be recorded and who will have access to it later. Inform the participants about the planned recording and follow your organization's guidelines.
6. Save the settings and test the room
Save your settings. Then open the BigBlueButton activity and start the meeting by clicking the "Join" button.
When you join the meeting, set up your audio connection. To participate actively, select the appropriate microphone and allow your browser to access it. Alternatively, you can participate in listen-only mode.
If possible, test the room with a second person before the first event. In particular, check that access is working, that roles have been assigned correctly, and that the necessary materials are available.
Effectively Integrating Live Sessions into the Moodle Course
Don't plan the video conference as a standalone event; instead, plan it along with the preparation and follow-up.
Here’s a possible example: Before the live workshop, participants work on a short case study in the Moodle course. During the group session, they discuss their proposed solutions. Afterward, they post their key insights in a forum or submit a revised solution as an assignment.
For working in the virtual space, you have access to features such as polls, shared notes, an interactive whiteboard, and breakout rooms, among others.
Select the features that best suit your task. For a brief consultation, a video call with screen sharing might be sufficient. For a workshop, on the other hand, you can set up a collaborative editing session or a group activity.
Frequently Asked Questions About BigBlueButton in Moodle
Why isn't BigBlueButton showing up in the activity list?
First, check your editing permissions in the course. If BigBlueButton is still not available, your Moodle administrator should verify whether the activity is enabled system-wide.
Do participants need an additional BigBlueButton account?
When accessing the course through a regular Moodle course, a separate BigBlueButton account is not required. Participants enter the room via the activity on their Learning Management System.
Why can't participants enter the room yet?
Check the scheduled time and the “Wait for Moderator” option. You may be prevented from joining if the access window has not yet begun or if there is no moderator in the room yet.
Can recordings be made available later in the Moodle course?
Yes, provided that your BigBlueButton configuration supports recordings. Once processed, these can be accessed via the activity log. Check with your hosting provider to see what retention periods and access options apply.
