Bigbluebutton: Top 10 Alternatives for Online Class Session

Bigbluebutton is a well-known platform that was developed by blindside networks. This platform allows you to participate in the live classroom online. Bigbluebutton offers a learning dashboard, custom domain, and data privacy, which can make you efficient during sessions. This platform is free to use but has some restrictions like your session should be at most 60 minutes. 

The users on this session should be limited to 25, and the recorded session would expire in 7 days. Users are not allowed to download any session. On the other hand, this forum offers amazing benefits like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and easy group polling that keep your students engaged. It can be run both on PC and mobile browsers.

10 Bigbluebutton Alternatives 

Bigbluebutton is one of the best web-based applications containing amazing features and functions. Some applications on the internet are similar to this platform because of their features and functions. Users can use these alternatives in the absence of Bigbluebutton.

Zoom 

Zoom

Zoom is one of the best-known platforms that allows users to connect through video, audio, and chat. This platform is commonly used to engage users worldwide on a single page. It is used for online video conference meetings and classes. Zoom is one of the best alternatives to Bigbluebutton for the same features and functions. 

This platform requires a strong internet connection for the processing. You can use Zoom without paying a single penny. But the free basic plan is restricted to 100 people simultaneously. Users can only stay on call for up to 40 minutes. Zoom can be used on tablets, iPhones, and Androids.

Features 

  • screen sharing
  • session recording facility
  • virtual background
  • whiteboard
  • waiting room

Adobe Connect

Adobe Connect

Adobe Connect is software for presentations, desktop sharing, and conferencing. It is the best platform that allows users to make online and collaborate through the internet. But this software is not free to use; it offers users a free period of 90 days to use. After that, you can get three main packages: webinar, learning, and meeting. 

The best platform provides a secure environment while meeting and presenting. This platform allows you to have complete control of your session. Adobe Connect is gaining popularity worldwide with amazing features and functions. This software can be run on phones or PCs.

Features 

  • Engagement Dashboard
  • Brand customization
  • Breakouts
  • Webcam

G2 Deals

G2 Deals

G2 deals is the best platform for distributing different software amongst dealers. With G2 Deals, you may market special software offers to consumers actively looking into your product or category on G2. The deals of G2 enable you to differentiate yourself from the competition and achieve greater visibility with high-intent buyers by utilizing the G2 platform.

This platform is the most reliable software marketplace globally. G2 is a top and trustworthy marketplace where more than 90 million people deal annually.

Features 

  • Massive Marketplace
  • User-friendly Interface
  • Trusted Software Market

Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate is a well-known web conferencing tool that allows users to make online meetings and different session classes through the browser. This platform is simple and easy for every old and new user. The main function of this tool is that it can be customized according to user demand. 

On the other hand, Blackboard collaborates with different functions like multi-point video, two-way audio, desktop sharing, and session recording to make your work more convenient and easy. Blackboard Collaborate is one of the best software for making student performance more amazing and making it easier to give them solutions for activity-based learning. 

This platform offers the best tool for solid interaction between students and instructors. Users can share images, audio, text, and video during the session class. The interesting feature of this platform is that it provides accessibility to deaf and hard-hearing students with the help of Blackboard closed caption service. It is free to use; you can install it from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. You can use it on your PC system and mobile phones.

Features 

  • Breakout Groups 
  • Facility for the attendance
  • Whiteboard features for a live class session
  • Gallery view
  • Application sharing features

TalentLMS

TalentLMS

TalentLMS stands for a learning management system created for success in training. This platform offers a tool that allows users to build, report, and deliver training courses. If I talk about the functions of this software, it is not easy to answer. For example, this software can be used for internal and external training because it contains many features and functions. 

You are allowed to customize this software according to your needs. But it charges for customization and maintenance yearly or monthly from the percentage of your sales. TalentLMS can work both on PCs and phones. You can visit the official site on your PC if you want to use it on your devices like iPhone or Android. You can download it from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Features

  • Alerts and notifications regularly
  • Assessment management
  • Activity tracking system
  • Best for Academic/Education 

Brightspace Pulse

Brightspace Pulse

Brightspace Pulse is one of the best platforms for connecting learners and instructors. This platform allows users to manage their time and stay on top of coursework. This forum provides the best environment for instructors to deliver instruction and communicate with the students. Brightspace is an innovative and powerful platform of learning for every age. It can be useful for the earliest days of school and university students.

On the other hand, it is very simple and easy to use and learn, is integrated with other e-learning platforms, and provides the best customer service. The features offered by this app are also useful for the future. You can install this app from different resources like Google Play Store and Apple Store.

Features 

  • Provides dates and deadlines for course
  • View courses and contents
  • Predict the busiest times with a quick view.
  • Quick receive the latest grades and announcement

Schoology 

Schoology 

Schoology is the best platform of learning found by Jeremy Fried, Ryan Hwang, and Tim Trinidad. PowerSchool owns this platform. This platform contains the best environment for learning for schools and business systems. This platform offers pictures, discussions, videos, special dates, and announcements on the page. Schoology is based on a pricing model that charges students every month.

It is one of the best platforms that provide the best features like analytics and reports. Educators can trace the student’s performances with the help of analytics and reports. Another good feature of this platform is the ability to check for plagiarism in your submitted work. 

This means you cannot cheat on this platform. Users can use it on PCs and phones if they want to use it on their tablet or phone. You can install it from the Google Play Store and Apple Store.

Features

  • Detect cheating 
  • Reports and Analytics
  • User-friendly interface
  • Simple Navigation tools
  • Instructional Tools

Whereby 

Whereby

Whereby is the best platform for virtual class sessions. It is one of the best team collaboration platforms, allowing them to chat on video calls. Users can easily sign up on this platform without hassle; it is free. You can host up to 100 people in a single session. It is available for both Apple mobile and PC.

The Whereby offers dozens of features like emoji reaction, screen-sharing, integration, etc. The procedure for making the call on this platform is so simple and convenient. You can just visit its site and click the link to make the call. On this platform, you can easily record your session for future use.

Features

  • Emoji reaction
  • Integration
  • Screen sharing
  • Breakout groups

Moodle

Moodle

Moodle is one of the most famous software programs developed by Martin Douglass, the Moodle community, and Moodle HQ. It was released on 20 August 2002. This platform contains the best features like distance education, blended learning, and other learning projects for the educational institution. This platform has a user-friendly interface, making users more comfortable searching for online course material.

The main thing about this software is that it provides a free online learning platform. Moodle allows users to create their website cover with their courses. Moodle can fulfill everyone’s needs, even if you are a teacher, student, or administrator. 

With the help of Moodle, the teachers can easily interact with students to know about their progress for the given assignment. A model can be used on both PCs and phones. Users can install it from the Google Play Store and Apple Store.

Features 

  • Access to the courses
  • Participate in every discussion
  • User-friendly interface
  • Collaborative tools and activities

Speexx 

Speexx 

Speexx is one of the best modern platforms for business coaching and language training for the workforce worldwide. This platform was established in 2012 in Munich and contains almost 1800 staff and coaches. Different offices worldwide exist, such as Madrid, Munich, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, New York, and Paris. 

This platform offers artificial intelligence to connect content and users’ needs. The best thing about this software is its user-friendly interface, allowing users to learn simply. It is also the best way to improve your English.

On the other hand, this platform also includes live sessions, topics, designs, simple navigations, information, and the best dictionary. Almost 1500 organizations use Speexx for services like digital language skills and business coaching.

The organization includes Volkswagen, Bosch, Adecco, and many more. This platform supports nearly 13 languages worldwide. You can install it from the Google Play Store and Apple Store. You can use it on both PC and mobile.

Features 

  • Live classes
  • Active coaching
  • Personal learning
  • Needs assessment

What is the Bigbluebutton App?

The Bigbluebutton has also introduced its app to enhance users’ experience on phones or tablets. This app is a platform that contains a virtual classroom for the users to enjoy the full features like chat, two-way audio, whiteboard, screen share, and cameras. 

The instructor can engage with students through multi-user whiteboards, breakout rooms, and emojis on this platform. On the other hand, the Bigbluebutton is not only limited to online learning. It can be used for online tutoring, group collaboration, and flipped classrooms.

Features of Bigbluebutton

Bigbluebutton is one of the best online learning platforms with many features and functions.

Upload the Documents

Bigbluebutton allows users to upload documents like PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, and images.

White Board

Bigbluebutton offers the best platform with a virtual whiteboard u

Breakout Rooms

Bigbluebutton allows users to engage with different students for collaborative study in breakout rooms.

Shared Notes

Bigbluebutton is the best way for users to share their notes with another student in a collaborative study.

Emoji

Bigbluebutton allows you to express yourself with the help of different emojis. It is an easy method to expose you without using any text.

How does Bigbluebutton work?

Bigbluebutton can work on your browser. If you want to join the meeting in Bigbluebutton, you just have to click the URL, copy and paste this link on your search bar, and then press enter the key. You will just enter into the conference meeting.

Is Bigbluebutton free?

Bigbluebutton is offering two packages for the users. One is free, and the other is paid. In the free package, you would face some restrictions, like the maximum time for the session, which is limited to 60 minutes.

The number of users should be at most 25. The recording of any session would expire in 7 days without the option to download. The paid package would enhance your performance to erase every restriction.

How do I join the Bigbluebutton meeting?

It is very easy to join the Bigbluebutton meeting. Copy the meeting link from the invitation and paste it into your browser’s address bar. After that, type your name and join the meeting.

How to share screen on Bigbluebutton?

If any student wants to share the screen with the teacher.

  • Firstly, create a room
  • Then, enter the room
  • Allow students to enter the room
  • Type student name 
  • Then select Make the presenter
  • Allow students to press the new button on-screen bar
  • Press Share screen
  • Then press the entire screen 
  • Then press allow
  • A teacher would see the student screen displayed.

How do you mute on Bigbluebutton?

Suppose you want to mute the Bigbluebutton. You just click on the microphone icon in the group at the center of the conference window. After that, you will hear the sound notification “You are muted now,” and then the icon will change to the muted icon.

How to unmute on Bigbluebutton?

When you are mute, the icon button will change to unmute. You can click on unmute to change this option. After that, it will be unmuted.

How do you record on Bigbluebutton?

  • When configuring the Bigbluebutton activity, choose the instance type of activity with recording.
  • Tick the box indicating that the session is recordable
  • When the Bigbluebutton session is launched, the start recording button will become accessible.
  • For the session to be recorded, you must click the button.

How do you download the Bigbluebutton recording?

If you want to download the recording of your session, just press the video link with a right-click in the playback area and choose to save the video. The video will be saved in your desired folder.

How do you use Bigbluebutton to record a shared screen conference? 

On the top of the screen, press the start recording button. In the pop-up box, select Yes. The recording will be available on Canvas under the Meeting section. After that, you can choose the end Meeting.

Conclusion 

Bigbluebutton is a well-recognized platform created by Blindside Network. This platform provides the ability to participate live with a group of students in the classroom online. Bigbluebutton offers features like a custom domain, learning dashboard, and data privacy. These features can make you more efficient and convenient while having classes online. 

This platform does not charge anything from you, but it provides some restrictions, like the session should be at most 60 minutes. The participant should be at most 25. Users are not allowed to download any session. The recorded session will expire in 7 days. 

But you would avoid facing these kinds of restrictions in the premium package. I also discussed some alternatives to Bigbluebutton, which can have the same features and functions that can be used without Bigbluebutton.

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Dennis Aachen

Dennis Aachen is our resident tech enthusiast and reviewer. With a passion for exploring the latest gadgets, software, and gaming experiences, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.