Whether it’s to host virtual instructor-led sessions or facilitate classroom-based discussions online, a common frustration prior to Moodle 4.0 was having to leave the platform to use tools like Zoom or MS Teams.
Having recognised this, a standout feature of Moodle 4.0 is the standard inclusion of the free tier of open-source video conferencing tool BigBlueButton.
This means that Moodle LMS users can host video conferencing-based sessions inside their LMS and benefit from a range of intuitive features, which provide more insights for instructors, teachers or course leaders.
In contrast to tools like Zoom or Teams, BigBlueButton is specifically designed for learning and has been aligned with Moodle’s open-source nature since 2007. Its inclusion as a standard plugin within Moodle 4.0 includes the ability to host up to 60-minute sessions with a maximum of 25 participants.
Features available within the conferencing tool include whiteboard functionality to encourage collaboration, breakout rooms for more dynamic learning experiences and the learning dashboard that provides insight into how engaged learners are with your sessions – allowing you to take a data-driven approach to tutor-based learning.
