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.
Vedamo
Vedamo is an interactive virtual classroom and learning management system designed for tutors and educational organizations to conduct live online teaching sessions with collaborative tools and integrated course management.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BigBlueButton | Vedamo |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bigbluebutton.org | vedamo.com |
| Pricing Model | Free | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $25/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days 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 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Canada | Sofia, Bulgaria |
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.
Vedamo
Vedamo provides you with a purpose-built environment for live online teaching and learning management. Unlike general video conferencing tools, it combines a highly interactive virtual classroom with a robust system to manage your courses, students, and content. You can conduct real-time lessons using a collaborative whiteboard, break students into small groups, and share high-quality media without technical hurdles.
The platform simplifies the transition to online education by offering tools specifically for educators, such as lesson templates and session recording. You can manage your entire tutoring business or school from one place, tracking student progress and scheduling sessions automatically. It is designed to work directly in your browser, so you and your students can join classes instantly without downloading any software.
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.
Vedamo Features
- Interactive Whiteboard. Collaborate with your students in real-time using an infinite canvas where you can draw, write, and use shapes.
- Breakout Rooms. Divide your class into smaller groups for focused discussions and collaborative projects while you monitor their progress.
- Media Sharing. Share YouTube videos, documents, and your screen with synchronized playback so everyone stays on the same page.
- Session Recording. Record your live classes automatically so your students can review the material or catch up on missed lessons.
- Lesson Templates. Save your whiteboard layouts and materials as templates to reuse them across different classes and save preparation time.
- LMS Integration. Manage your students, create self-paced courses, and track attendance through the integrated learning management system.
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
Vedamo Pricing
- Unlimited number of sessions
- Up to 25 participants per session
- Interactive whiteboard and tools
- Breakout rooms included
- Session recording and storage
- Premium technical support
- Everything in Virtual Classroom, plus:
- Unlimited number of courses
- Unlimited number of students
- Content and file management
- Student progress tracking
- Custom branding options
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
Vedamo
Pros
- Browser-based access requires no software installations
- Highly interactive whiteboard tools for student engagement
- Reliable breakout rooms for group activities
- Excellent customer support and onboarding assistance
- Purpose-built for education rather than general meetings
Cons
- Mobile experience is less feature-rich than desktop
- Learning curve for mastering all whiteboard tools
- Requires a stable high-speed internet connection