Introduction
Learning Services is pleased to announce the release of a new training course developed by BigBlueButton. The course has been added to the Training Services Portal on December 18, 2023.
BigBlueButton is a purpose-built virtual classroom built-into the core of Canvas since 2012. Unlike a video conferencing system that is designed for business meetings, BigBlueButton is designed to enable educators to teach and learners to learn using built-in applied learning activities, live analytics, and deep integration with Canvas itself.
BigBlueButton’s built-in applied learning activities – which include multi-user whiteboard, shared notes, polling, and breakout-rooms – remove the need to use 3rd party tools. When students engage in these activities, BigBlueButton records and displays live analytics and insights in real-time to the educator (not afterwards in static reports). With these insights, educators can easily see which students are struggling (or excelling!) and give them feedback in the moment.
In contrast to passive learning, this real-time feedback helps students achieve higher levels of understanding and increases overall learning outcomes.
The name “BigBlueButton” comes from the idea that starting an effective virtual class should be as simple as pressing a single big blue button. And yes, in Canvas, the join button is blue. 🙂
BigBlueButton is hosted by Blindside Networks, the creators of BigBlueButton. They have partnered with Instructure to create an engaging training course that can be accessed from the Training Services Portal. Institutions with an Essentials, Standard, or Premium subscription to the Training Services Portal will have access to this course. For information on accessing a partnership course in the portal, please see the Partnership Program Launch Blog post.
Course Description
BigBlueButtons’s course trains portal users on using the fully integrated classroom in Canvas. The course includes a series of Modules with written content, images, and videos training users how to use the features within BigBlueButton, such as: live analytics, multi-user whiteboard, breakout rooms, shared notes, raise hand, emojis, polling, share screen or external video, lock settings for teachers and administrators, and more. Upon completion of this course, a verifiable, digital badge is awarded so learners can showcase a credential as evidence of learning.
Like Canvas, BigBlueButton is an open source project with contributions from developers worldwide, and there are always new and exciting updates to the product to improve the online learning experience. BigBlueButton is ever-evolving, therefore it is important for any user of the product to understand its newest features and their capabilities. This course provides in-depth information and use cases of this tool for those looking for a deeper application than what may be found in a guide. This course will provide updates to those who may have previously been familiar with the product, while providing further education for those currently using it. By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Access BigBlueButton within Canvas, and be guided through every step to begin your Virtual Classroom.
- Utilize the various tools within BigBlueButton to improve the online learning experience.
- Leverage the tools available in BigBlueButton to increase student engagement.
- Demonstrate the ability to run a virtual class with BigBlueButton.
- Support the student experience of attending a virtual class within BigBlueButton.
Conclusion
Learning Services is excited about this partnership with BigBlueButton and hopes portal users find value in their training course. Share your comments about your experience with this course below with other Community users!
