BigBlueButton for digital learning spaces
BigBlueButton is the open-source web conferencing solution for Moodle, online training, and virtual classrooms—integrated into Moodle, GDPR-compliant, browser-based, and packed with features, making it ideal for interactive live sessions.
Here you will find the following topics
What is BigBlueButton?
The web conferencing solution optimized for online teaching
BigBlueButton (BBB) is open-source web conferencing software designed specifically for online training, virtual classrooms, and webinars. With BigBlueButton, you can share audio, video, presentations, whiteboard content, chat messages, and your screen in real time—all directly in your browser.
Participants can join via webcam, work together in breakout rooms, or you can invite external guest speakers. BigBlueButton offers all the features you need for professional digital learning and meeting formats—clear, stable, and didactically well thought out.
BigBlueButton is also integrated directly into Moodle as an activity. For you, this means that virtual classrooms, live lessons, and group work can be seamlessly integrated into your existing learning environment. No media disruption, no additional login—BigBlueButton simply becomes part of your digital learning space.
BigBlueButton was developed specifically for professional online learning and collaboration scenarios, which sets it apart from traditional video conferencing tools. The focus is on interaction, moderation, and didactic control, not just pure video transmission.
With BigBlueButton integrated into your learning platform, you benefit from a software solution that:
- enables structured online meetings
- Actively involves participants
- Gives moderators full control
- can be operated in a privacy-friendly manner
Functions and features of BigBlueButton
Teaching life skills made easy
document upload
You can upload presentations, PDFs, Office documents, and images directly to the virtual room and view them together.
breakout rooms
Breakout rooms allow you to divide participants into smaller groups for collaborative work.
multi-user whiteboard
Multiple participants can work on the whiteboard simultaneously and develop content together.
whiteboard
The integrated whiteboard allows you to comment on content, draw, and explain things visually.
Hand-raising function:
Participants use the raise-hand function to signal that they want to speak or ask a question.
screen sharing
You can present your entire screen or individual applications to explain content clearly.
chat
You can easily communicate with individual participants or the entire group via public and private chats.
emojis
Emojis give you quick visual feedback without interrupting your presentation.
surveys
They create impromptu polls to quickly gauge opinions, sentiments, or the level of understanding.
Video settings
You can flexibly adjust the video quality to save bandwidth or enable higher image quality.
webcam video
You and the participants can be visible via webcam, thereby increasing social presence in the virtual space.
Learning analytics dashboard
The analytics dashboard provides insights into participation, activity, and engagement during the session.
Benefits of using BigBlueButton
Use without additional installations or accounts
With BigBlueButton, you can start right in your browser—no need to install software, apps, or browser extensions. The platform is based on HTML5 and uses open-source WebRTC technology for audio, video, and screen sharing.
Your participants only need an up-to-date browser and an access link. No download, no additional account, no technical effort. If no computer is available, participation in BigBlueButton conferences is also possible by telephone.
Data transmission in BigBlueButton is, of course, encrypted. By operating on your own server or in a dedicated server environment, you retain full control over your data.
Would you like to learn more about our BigBlueButton server solutions? Feel free to contact us.
Inclusion – Lively learning for everyone
Accessibility is not an add-on in BigBlueButton, but an integral part of it. The platform provides features that enable all participants to actively participate on an equal footing.
This includes live subtitles for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, support for screen readers, and full keyboard operability for people with motor impairments. BigBlueButton thus supports inclusive online meetings and digital learning opportunities—regardless of individual abilities or technical requirements.
With BigBlueButton, you can create digital spaces where everyone can truly participate.
Tip: Make your Moodle courses accessible and inclusive! In the additional module "Accessible Content with H5P" from eLeDia.academy, you will learn in a practical way how to make your content accessible to everyone.
Data security and GDPR-compliant learning
Data protection is a top priority at BigBlueButton. Our BigBlueButton solutions are hosted in ISO-certified data centers in Germany—without the integration of external third-party providers.
For you, this means hosting in Germany, GDPR compliance, full data control, and the highest security standards. Especially in the education sector and in companies, BigBlueButton is a reliable and privacy-friendly alternative to commercial conferencing solutions.
Open source – open, transparent, and future-proof
BigBlueButton is open source and is continuously being developed by a global community. This ensures transparency, innovation, and long-term security.
Thanks to its open structure, you benefit from numerous tutorials, extensions, and integration options—especially in combination with Moodle. Awarded Integration Partner of the Year 2025, Moodle underscores the relevance and quality of BigBlueButton in digital learning.
With BigBlueButton, you can rely on a sustainable, flexible, and future-proof web conferencing solution.
Tip: BigBlueButton offers short video tutorials of the most important features.
FAQ – Answers to questions about BigBlueButton
Can BigBlueButton be used free of charge?
The software itself is available free of charge. However, you need a server on which BigBlueButton runs. Depending on the hosting solution, there are infrastructure costs (e.g., VPS or dedicated server) for operating this server.
How do I use BigBlueButton in Moodle?
BigBlueButton (BBB) is created as an activity in Moodle to enable video conferences, online lectures, or meetings directly in the course. Teachers add a room via "Create activity," while participants simply join with a click. Features such as whiteboard, screen sharing, and recording are directly integrated.
Do I need additional software or apps for BigBlueButton?
No. BigBlueButton runs entirely in the browser using HTML5 and WebRTC. Participants do not need to download anything or create an account.
Do participants need a user account?
No, participants can join via a simple invitation link and usually do not need their own user account.
Does BigBlueButton support accessibility?
Yes. BigBlueButton offers captions, screen reader support, and full keyboard operability so that all participants can actively and equally participate.
Is BigBlueButton GDPR compliant?
Yes, BigBlueButton can be operated in compliance with the GDPR, especially if you host it yourself or use a European provider. However, this depends on the specific configuration.
Can I run BigBlueButton on my own server?
Yes. The open source solution can be installed on your own Linux server (typically Ubuntu). There are official installation instructions and system requirements that you should follow. However, the installation process is well documented from a technical perspective. You do not need to install anything to participate in a BigBlueButton conference.
How many participants does BigBlueButton support?
The number of registered users, moderators, meeting rooms, and concurrent meetings depends on the BigBlueButton hosting package you are using/have booked.
Depending on the provider, the maximum number of simultaneous participants and the available cloud storage for meeting recordings are often limited.
Do you have any further questions?
Would you like BigBlueButton:
- Use professionally?
- Operate in compliance with the GDPR?
- Learning Management System into your Learning Management System ?
Please contact us. We will be happy to provide you with information about hosting, installation, and possible uses of BigBlueButton.