SCC BigBlueButton Guide

Guide to Attending Conferences

2. Technical Requirements

The minimum requirements to join a conference are:

Reliable internet connection (at least 2 Mbps Download / 1 Mbps Upload preferred)
To test your connection speed you can use Speedtest.net A wired network connection will be more reliable than Wi-Fi when available.
Laptop or PC with microphone (Tablet or Smartphone can be used as a backup)
A headset is recommended for audio as they will minimize echo andbackground noise. A laptop or tablet built-in microphone will work in a quiet area
Latest Google Chrome or Firefox web browser (other browsers may not be supported)

For tablets and mobile devices:

Mobile iOS (12.2+): Safari Mobile

Mobile Android (6.0+): Chrome Mobile

IE , Microsoft EDGE, and legacy browsers are not supported.

Watch a Student Overview Tutorial for BigBlueButton below

3. Joining a Conference

Your instructor will post a URL to join a conference, either in Canvas or by email. Once you click on the link, you should arrive at the conference lobby as shown below.

Enter your name in the box above and Click Join to login to the conference.

You will be asked to choose your audio preferences. If you do not need to use your microphone, you can choose Listen Only, otherwise click Microphone to test your microphone and speakers.

If you choose to use your microphone, you will need to allow the browser to access your microphone. Look for the prompt at the top left of your browser, then click Allow.

Once you allow access, you will be sent to the Echo Test. Follow the directions by speaking a few words and listen to hear if your voice is played back through your speakers.

If your microphone and speakers are working, click the green Yes button. If you do not hear your voice played back, click on the red No button to troubleshoot your audio settings.

Choose your Microphone and Speaker source from the dropdown menus. You can test your speaker volume by playing the test sound. Once you have the correct device selected, click Retry to start the Echo Test again.

Once you have configured your audio devices and passed the Echo Test you can click the green Yes button to continue and join the conference.

When you have joined the conference, you will see a workspace similar to the screen below.

The User section will display all users in the conference. You can click on an another user to start a private chat or mute them. You can also click on your own icon to set your status, raise your hand, or mute your microphone.
This is the Public Chat section. Messages will be visible to all Users in the conference.
This is the main presentation section. There are also several buttons at the bottom of the window that allow you to control your microphone and camera settings.

6. Tips and Tricks

Join the conference a few minutes early to test your audio/video settings
Using headphones will reduce feedback and let you to hear more clearly
If your audio stops or you are having microphone problems, leave the conference and rejoin to run the hardware setup and Echo Test again
Have a backup plan! If your Wi-Fi connection drops or you have an issue with your PC or Laptop, a Smartphone or Tablet with a cellular connection can be a great backup
Communicate via Public Chat if you have issues hearing another participant, your instructor, or have problems with your microphone etc.