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.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a centralized learning management platform that simplifies how you create, distribute, and grade assignments while fostering seamless communication between teachers and students in a digital environment.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BigBlueButton | Google Classroom |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bigbluebutton.org | google.com |
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 60 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2007 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Canada | Mountain View, 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.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom helps you manage your digital workspace by bringing all your teaching tools together in one place. You can create classes, distribute assignments, and send feedback to your students without ever touching a piece of paper. It integrates directly with Google Docs, Drive, and Meet, so you can host virtual lessons and organize course materials automatically in structured folders.
You can track student progress in real-time and provide instant feedback on their work. Whether you are teaching in a physical classroom, a hybrid environment, or fully online, the platform streamlines your administrative tasks so you can focus more on teaching. It is designed for schools, non-profits, and anyone with a personal Google account who needs to facilitate structured learning.
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.
Google Classroom Features
- Assignment Management. Create and distribute assignments to your entire class or specific students with just a few clicks.
- Real-time Feedback. Add comments and grade student work directly within Google Docs to provide immediate, actionable guidance.
- Class Stream. Post announcements and spark class discussions on a central digital bulletin board that everyone can access.
- Automated Organization. Keep your files tidy with automatic Google Drive folders created for every assignment and every student.
- Originality Reports. Scan student submissions against billions of web pages and books to ensure academic integrity and proper citation.
- Guardian Summaries. Keep parents informed by automatically sending them summaries of their student’s upcoming work and missing assignments.
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
Google Classroom Pricing
- Free for qualifying institutions
- Collaborative digital docs
- Communication via Meet and Chat
- Plagiarism detection (3 per class)
- Standard security and privacy
- 100 TB of pooled storage
- Everything in Fundamentals, plus:
- Advanced security management
- Security Investigation Tool
- Audit logs for Gmail and Drive
- Advanced device management
- Export logs to BigQuery
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
Google Classroom
Pros
- Incredibly easy to set up and use
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace tools
- Completely free for schools and individuals
- Mobile app allows for easy grading on-the-go
Cons
- Limited automated grading for complex assignments
- Gradebook features are basic compared to specialized LMS
- Requires consistent internet access for most features