BigBlueButton Integration
BigBlueButton Integration
Conduct online classes using BigBlueButton video conferencing.
Time Required: 20 minutes for setup Module: Live Classes, BigBlueButton User Role: IT Admin, Faculty
Table of Contents
Overview
BigBlueButton (BBB) is an open-source web conferencing system designed for online learning:
- Live video/audio conferencing
- Screen sharing and whiteboard
- Breakout rooms
- Recording and playback
- Polls and quizzes
Configure BigBlueButton
Get BBB Server
Options:
- Self-hosted BBB server
- Cloud BBB provider
- Institution-provided server
Add BBB Configuration
- Go to OpenEduCat > Configuration > Settings
- Under Live Classes:
- Enable BigBlueButton
- Enter BBB Server URL
- Enter BBB Secret Key
- Click Test Connection
- Save
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
Server URL | BBB API endpoint | https://bbb.school.edu |
Secret Key | API shared secret | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
Create Online Class
From Timetable
- Go to OpenEduCat > Timetable > Sessions
- Open a session
- Enable Online Class
- Select Platform: BigBlueButton
- Save
Standalone Class
- Go to OpenEduCat > Live Classes > Sessions
- Click Create
- Fill details:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
Title | Class name |
Course/Batch | Target students |
Faculty | Instructor |
Date/Time | Schedule |
Duration | Class length |
Platform | BigBlueButton |
- Click Save
- Click Generate Meeting Link
Conduct Class
Start Class (Faculty)
- Go to My Classes
- Click Start on scheduled class
- Opens BBB in new tab
- Wait for students to join
Join Class (Students)
- Log in to Student Portal
- Go to My Classes
- Click Join on active class
- Enters BBB meeting room
BBB Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Video/Audio | Camera and microphone |
| Screen Share | Share your screen |
| Whiteboard | Draw and annotate |
| Chat | Text messaging |
| Polls | Quick polls |
| Breakout Rooms | Small group discussions |
| Raise Hand | Student participation |
Attendance
Attendance is automatically marked:
- Student joins class
- System logs join time
- Minimum attendance time configurable
- Auto-marked as present/absent
Recordings
Enable Recording
- In class settings
- Enable Record Session
- Recording starts automatically
Access Recordings
- Go to Live Classes > Recordings
- Find the class
- Click Watch Recording
- Or download for offline viewing
Share Recordings
- Open recording
- Click Share
- Copy link
- Share with students via notice/email
Troubleshooting
Cannot Connect to BBB
- Verify server URL is correct
- Check secret key
- Test server accessibility
- Check firewall rules
Poor Audio/Video Quality
- Check internet connection
- Close other applications
- Use wired connection
- Reduce video quality in settings
Recording Not Available
- Wait for processing (may take time)
- Check BBB server storage
- Verify recording was enabled