BigBlueButton
BigBlueButton is an open-source virtual classroom software designed specifically for online learning, providing teachers with essential tools like real-time polling, breakout rooms, and multi-user whiteboards to engage students effectively.
Continu
Continu is a modern learning management system designed to help you train employees, customers, and partners through a centralized platform that integrates with your existing workplace software tools.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BigBlueButton | Continu |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bigbluebutton.org | continu.com |
| Pricing Model | Free | Custom |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2007 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Canada | San Francisco, USA |
Overview
BigBlueButton
BigBlueButton is a specialized web conferencing system built by and for educators. Unlike general-purpose meeting tools, you get a platform designed specifically for the dynamics of a classroom. You can engage your students through integrated tools like multi-user whiteboards, real-time polling, and shared notes, all within a browser-based interface that requires no software installation for your participants.
You can easily manage large groups by moving students into breakout rooms for collaborative work or using the 'raise hand' and emoji features to maintain order. Because it is open-source, you have the flexibility to host it on your own servers for maximum privacy or integrate it directly into your existing learning management systems like Moodle, Canvas, or Schoology.
Continu
Continu provides a streamlined way for you to manage all your organizational learning in one place. Instead of jumping between different tools, you can create courses, host live workshops, and manage your knowledge base from a single dashboard. It simplifies the way you onboard new hires and keep your existing team up to date with automated learning tracks tailored to specific roles or departments.
You can track progress in real-time with deep analytics that show exactly how your team is engaging with content. The platform is built to scale with your growth, making it a fit for mid-market companies and large enterprises that need to distribute training globally. By connecting directly to your communication tools, it ensures learning happens where your team already works.
Overview
BigBlueButton Features
- Multi-User Whiteboard Collaborate with your students in real-time by letting them draw and annotate directly on your presentation slides.
- Breakout Rooms Group your students into private sub-sessions for team projects and collaborative problem-solving exercises during your live class.
- Real-Time Polling Check for student understanding instantly by launching polls and displaying the results to the class in seconds.
- Shared Notes Build a collective knowledge base with your class using a collaborative text editor that everyone can edit simultaneously.
- LMS Integration Connect your virtual classroom directly to Moodle, Canvas, or Sakai to manage your sessions within your existing workflow.
- Session Recording Record your live lectures automatically so your students can review the material and interactive content at their own pace.
Continu Features
- Authoring Tool. Create beautiful, interactive courses and assessments directly within the platform using a simple drag-and-drop interface.
- Learning Tracks. Automate your onboarding and development by grouping courses into structured paths based on user roles or skills.
- Workshops & Events. Manage your live virtual or in-person training sessions with built-in attendance tracking and calendar integrations.
- Smart Segmentation. Automatically assign training to the right people by syncing your HRIS data to create dynamic user groups.
- Searchable Knowledge. Find exactly what you need instantly with a powerful search engine that indexes all your documents and videos.
- Deep Analytics. Measure the impact of your training with visual reports that track completion rates, engagement, and learner performance.
Pricing Comparison
BigBlueButton Pricing
- Full source code access
- Self-hosting capabilities
- Unlimited users and sessions
- All educational features included
- Community-based support
- LMS integration modules
- Everything in Open Source, plus:
- Professional server management
- Guaranteed uptime and scaling
- Technical support desk
- Custom branding options
- Simplified setup and updates
Continu Pricing
Pros & Cons
BigBlueButton
Pros
- Completely free and open-source for self-hosting
- Deep integration with popular learning management systems
- Superior engagement tools compared to generic video tools
- No software downloads required for students or teachers
Cons
- Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain
- High server resource requirements for large sessions
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS
Continu
Pros
- Modern and intuitive interface for learners
- Excellent customer support and implementation guidance
- Strong integrations with Slack and Microsoft Teams
- Easy to build and distribute content quickly
- Highly customizable to match your brand
Cons
- No public pricing available without a demo
- Reporting filters can be complex for beginners
- Limited advanced features for external eCommerce sales
- Mobile app experience lacks some desktop features