What's New in BigBlueButton 2.4?
BigBlueButton is one of FSCJ’s supported conferencing tools in Canvas. We’ve been using the tool since we transitioned over to Canvas, but it is even more important now that so many courses and lectures are being taught online. So, it’s only fitting that with more usage and feedback comes new feature updates. If you’re familiar with the tool and have explored it since the term began, you may have seen a few new options and a brand new Learning Dashboard within the open-source tool.
Video Updates
One of the most requested features, according to BigBlueButton and heard around our campuses, is the option to select a blurred or alternative background. This feature is great if have a messy office or if you’re working in a location where others may be present. Also, it’s just a little more fun than the boring office space you may be in! The background options will be presented as a user selects to share their webcam in the conference. Here are the backgrounds users can now select from in BigBlueButton.
Another small, but helpful video feature is the user list will now show who in the list has their webcam turned on.
The most important feature update, in my opinion only, is that users will no longer get the mirror or tunnel vision effect when sharing their screen. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, consider yourself lucky. Although not a big issue, it was quite annoying when we introduced the conferencing tool. So glad to hear about this update!
BREAKOUT ROOMS UPDATES
When using breakout rooms, you now have the ability to change the names of your rooms, which will assist in not mixing up the browser windows and see who has been added to each room. You can also extend the time duration remaining on a breakout room’s timed session.
ANONYMOUS POLLS
This simple, but important update is a great way to get honest answers from your students. Instructors can now create and publish a poll in their conference that allows students to answer anonymously.
*Worried you won’t be able to see who has answered? Check out the Learning Dashboard below.
RECORDING IMPROVEMENTS
Now, when recording your session, you will be able to view any polls or links shared during your conference within the chat area of the recorded session. I look forward to hearing feedback on this update - as many have been inquiring about extra features in recorded sessions.
THE LEARNING DASHBOARD
The update that I anticipate the most feedback on is the analytics available within the new BigBlueButton Learning Dashboard. This is a live page with information about attendee participation which updates every 10 seconds while you’re in your conference. You can quickly see how many active students are in the conference, how long they’ve been online, how long they’ve had their webcam on, and how they have interacted (raising hands, messaging, answering polls). This looks to be quite a powerful tool for instructors to use!
To see the updates presented by Fred, BigBlueButton’s CEO, watch this five-minute overview of the new features, below.
