Fact sheet: BigBlueButton

Description

BigBlueButton is a web-based open source video conferencing system that was developed specifically for use in teaching. At TU Hamburg, it is hosted by the data centre and is particularly suitable for smaller courses with up to 40 participants as well as for confidential discussions such as examinations or consultations. Access is possible via https://meeting.rz.tuhh.de/ (DE) or via Stud.IP.

Use in teaching

• Offer digital consultation hours With BigBlueButton, you can hold consultation hours, counselling sessions and oral examinations as video conferences in compliance with data protection regulations.
• Facilitate group feedback With breakout rooms, the collaborative whiteboard and the survey function, you can enable structured feedback in small groups.
• Encourage discussions Chat, shared notes and breakout rooms can be used to make discussions in seminars and exercise groups interactive.

Stephanie Wichmann from the ZLL will be happy to advise you on the didactic use of the tool.

Technical requirements

BigBlueButton runs directly in the browser – no installation is required. To participate fully, you need a computer or tablet with a microphone, speakers (or headset) and camera. For a stable connection, a LAN connection is recommended instead of Wi-Fi; VPN connections should be deactivated during use. To create conference rooms, a TUHH employee account (Kerberos ID) is required. Access can be requested by emailing bbb-support(at)tuhh.de. Telephone dial-in is not possible.

Further links

• Technical information from the TUHH data centre (DE)
• BigBlueButton as a moderator (data centre - DE)
• BigBlueButton as presenter (data centre - DE)
• tub.torials: Video conferences with BigBlueButton (DE)
• Official BigBlueButton website

Cost

BigBlueButton is open-source software and can be used free of charge by all members of the TU Hamburg. The TUHH computer centre operates the instance on its own servers.

Data protection

GDPR-compliant RZ-Support RZ-Hosting Open Source

A service provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) at TU Hamburg.