1. Joining the Session

When you enter a BigBlueButton classroom, you will be prompted to join the audio in one of two ways:

Listen Only

• Allows you to hear the session.

• Your microphone remains disabled.

• Other participants will see that you are connected in listen-only mode.

Microphone

• Allows you to speak and interact with the class.

• Select your microphone from the available devices.

• Complete the echo test to ensure your audio is working correctly.

• Click Join Audio to connect.

Mute and Unmute

• If you join muted, click the microphone icon to unmute.

• While speaking, your microphone icon will pulse to indicate audio activity.

• Your name will appear above the presentation area when you are talking.

• Click the microphone icon again to mute yourself.

Changing Audio Devices

• Open the audio settings menu to select a different microphone.

• Choose Leave Audio if you wish to disconnect from the audio conference.

2. Understanding the Interface

The BigBlueButton classroom contains several key areas:

Presentation Area

Located in the center of the screen, this is where:

• Slides are displayed

• Videos are presented

• Whiteboard activities take place

• Polls appear

Public Chat

Located on the left side of the screen.

• Send messages visible to everyone in the session.

• View messages from instructors and classmates.

User List

Displays all participants currently in the classroom.

Shared Notes

A collaborative workspace where:

• Instructors can post agendas and instructions.

• Participants can contribute notes and ideas.

3. Using Your Webcam

To share your video:

1. Click the Webcam icon.

2. Select your camera source.

3. Choose a video quality setting.

4. Optionally select a virtual background.

5. Click Start Sharing.

Your webcam will appear for all participants to see.

To stop sharing:

• Click the webcam icon again.

4. Reactions and Raising Your Hand

BigBlueButton includes interactive reactions that allow you to communicate without interrupting the speaker.

Available Reactions

• Thumbs up

• Happy face

• Other emojis and feedback icons

Raise Hand

Use the Raise Hand feature when:

• You have a question.

• You need assistance.

• You want the instructor's attention.

Click the button again to lower your hand.

5. Chat Features

Public Chat

To send a message:

1. Type in the public chat box.

2. Press Enter.

All participants can view your message.

Private Chat

To message a specific participant:

1. Click on a user's name.

2. Select Start Private Chat.

3. Type your message.

Unread messages are indicated by a notification number.

6. Shared Notes

Shared Notes act as a collaborative document for the class.

You can:

• Read instructor notes.

• Contribute ideas.

• Answer questions.

• Collaborate with classmates.

Remember that everyone in the session can see your contributions.

7. Using the Whiteboard

The presentation area can become an interactive whiteboard.

Drawing Tools

You may be able to:

• Draw with a pen tool

• Write labels or annotations

• Highlight content

Eraser Tool

You can erase:

• Your own annotations

You cannot erase:

• Instructor annotations

• Other participants' annotations

Pointer Tool

Use the pointer to:

• Highlight locations

• Indicate answers

• Participate in visual activities

Other participants can see your pointer movements.

8. Participating in Polls

Instructors may launch polls during class.

Single-Choice Polls

Select one answer and submit.

Multiple-Choice Polls

Select all correct answers before submitting.

Short-Answer Polls

Type your response into the provided field.

After submission, instructors may choose to share poll results with the class.

9. Breakout Rooms

Breakout rooms allow students to work in smaller groups.

When invited:

1. Click Join Breakout Room.

2. Join audio using either microphone or listen-only mode.

Inside breakout rooms, you can:

• Chat with group members

• Use shared notes

• Collaborate on the whiteboard

• Raise your hand for assistance

The instructor may join your room or send messages to all breakout rooms.

When the breakout session ends, you will automatically return to the main classroom.

10. Classroom Controls

Show or Hide Panels

Use the interface controls to:

• Hide the user list

• Show or hide chat panels

• Adjust your workspace

Recording Indicator

A recording icon shows whether the session is currently being recorded.

You may also see notifications when:

• Recording starts

• Recording pauses

Connection Status

The connection indicator shows your network status:

• Green: Good connection

• Purple or Red: Connection issues detected

If you experience problems:

• Refresh your browser to reconnect.

11. Help and Leaving the Meeting

The Options menu provides access to:

• Help resources

• Tutorials

• Additional settings

To leave the session:

1. Open the options menu.

2. Select Leave Meeting.

Conclusion

BigBlueButton offers a variety of tools to help you engage in online learning. By using audio, video, chat, reactions, whiteboards, polls, shared notes, and breakout rooms, you can actively participate and collaborate with your instructor and classmates throughout the session.