BigBlueButton is an online platform for interactive learning, collaboration, and meetings. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate its features.

1. Connecting to Audio

• Upon entering the session, you’ll see options to join the audio:
• Microphone: Allows you to speak and listen.
• Listen Only: Lets you hear others without enabling your microphone.
• To switch modes:

1. Click the audio icon.
2. Select your desired mode.
3. If using a microphone, complete the echo test to ensure proper setup.

Indicators:

• A green listen-only icon shows you’re in listen-only mode.
• A green microphone icon means your mic is active. The icon will pulsate while you speak.
• To mute/unmute or leave the audio, click the microphone icon.

2. Video Sharing

• To enable your webcam:

1. Click the camera icon.
2. Choose your webcam, quality settings, and an optional background image (e.g., chalkboard).
3. Click Start Sharing.

• To stop sharing, click the camera icon again.

Note: Your webcam feed will appear at the top of the screen alongside other participants' feeds.

3. Reactions and Feedback

• Use the Reactions Bar to:
• Send emojis (e.g., thumbs up, happy face).
• Raise your hand to signal the instructor.
• Dismiss reactions by clicking them again.
• To close the reactions bar, click outside it.

4. Public and Private Chats

• Public Chat: Type your message in the public chatbox to communicate with everyone.
• Private Chat:

1. Click a user’s name in the participant list.
2. Select Start Private Chat.
3. A notification will appear if there are unread private messages.

Tip: Switch between public and private chats by clicking the respective tabs.

5. Shared Notes

• A collaborative text editor visible to all participants.
• Common uses include:
• Agendas.
• Group discussions or collaborative writing.
• Edits are live and visible to everyone.

6. Whiteboard Tools

• The instructor may use the whiteboard for:
• Drawing, highlighting, or advancing slides.
• Conducting visual assessments.
• Multi-User Whiteboard:
• Participants can draw, use the pointer tool, and erase their own marks.
• Example: Label shapes, identify locations, or mark important points.

7. Polling

• The instructor may conduct polls, including:
• Single Choice: Select one option.
• Multiple Choice: Choose multiple answers.
• Open Text: Type a response.
• Results are shared in the presentation area and public chat.

8. Breakout Rooms

• For group activities, the instructor can assign participants to breakout rooms.
• To join a breakout room:

1. Click the Join Breakout Room prompt.
2. Reconnect to audio (e.g., microphone or listen-only).
3. Use the room’s chat, whiteboard, and shared notes for collaboration.

Note: Breakout rooms open in a new tab. You can switch back to the main session anytime.

9. Broadcast Messages

• Instructors can send announcements (e.g., session ending soon).
• These messages are displayed in yellow for visibility.

10. Recording

• If the session is being recorded, a notification will appear at the top.
• Recordings can be paused/resumed by the instructor.

11. Connection Status

• A green connection icon indicates a stable connection.
• Purple or red icons signify issues. Reload your browser to refresh.

12. Exiting the Session

• To leave, click the Leave Meeting button in the settings menu.

If you have any questions or would like to see a step-by-step demonstration of all the features of BigBlueButton, we recommend watching a detailed tutorial on YouTube

You’re now ready to use BigBlueButton!

Join audio, share your video, interact with participants, and engage with the collaborative tools for an enriching learning experience.