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.
Class
Class is a virtual classroom software built on Zoom that adds specialized teaching and learning tools to help you deliver engaging, interactive, and measurable online education experiences.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BigBlueButton | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bigbluebutton.org | class.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 | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Canada | Washington, D.C., 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.
Class
Class transforms your virtual meetings into a purpose-built learning environment by adding essential teaching tools directly to the Zoom interface. You can manage your classroom more effectively with features designed specifically for instructors, such as automated attendance tracking, proctored exams, and the ability to browse the web together with your students. It solves the common problem of passive remote learning by giving you the tools to keep learners engaged and accountable throughout every session.
You can easily distribute assignments, grade work in real-time, and launch polls without leaving the video window. The platform is designed for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and corporate training departments that need more than just a standard video conferencing tool. By integrating deeply with your existing LMS, it streamlines your workflow so you can focus on teaching rather than managing multiple browser tabs and disconnected software tools.
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.
Class Features
- Enhanced Breakout Rooms. Monitor all breakout groups simultaneously from a single bird's-eye view to ensure your students stay on track.
- Integrated Gradebook. Track student participation and performance automatically so you can spend less time on manual data entry.
- Proctored Exams. Launch and monitor assessments securely within the live session to maintain academic integrity during remote testing.
- Interactive Syllabus. Keep your learners organized by sharing a clickable schedule that links directly to your lesson materials and assignments.
- Collaborative Web Browsing. Navigate the web alongside your students in real-time to guide them through online resources and research tasks.
- One-on-One Discussions. Pull a student aside for a private conversation without leaving the main room or disrupting the rest of the class.
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
Class 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
Class
Pros
- Seamless integration with your existing Zoom account
- Superior engagement tools compared to standard video conferencing
- Centralized dashboard simplifies classroom management tasks
- Robust data analytics help track learner participation
Cons
- Requires a stable high-speed internet connection
- Initial setup may require IT department coordination
- Learning curve for instructors new to virtual tools