Geek Software of the Week: Big Blue Button!
Imagine being able to teach a class on-line, with slides, whiteboards, videos, chat, etc.! Too awesome to exist? It does, AND it is FREE and Open Source! Zowie!
It can be installed on an Ubuntu Linux Server, or, you can download a pre-installed, pre-configured Virtual Appliance! Distance education can now be done for free! Check it out in the video below:
“Presentation Control
A presenter can easily upload multiple PDF’s or Office documents. Once uploaded, the participants are able to see the current slide as the presenter moves through their presentation.
Audio Engagement
The moderator has complete control over all the audio within the conference. They are able to mute, un-mute and eject any of the participants by simply clicking on the necessary icon within the listeners module.
See Your Students
When logged into the conference, users have the option of sharing their video over the web using a built-in or external webcam. Multiple participants and a presenter can be sharing their video at the same time.
Chat Conversation
Students can take part in a group chat which is viewed by everyone within the conference, or select a user and begin a separate private conversation.
Mute/Unmute
When students join the audio session they can mute/unmute themselves as desired. This reduces background noise if students are in a loud area.
Recorded Sessions
Students are able to view previously recorded sessions that the presenter has recorded. The students are required to login, choose a recorded video and can then view it within the web browser.”