BigBlueButton

(you could take a quick look at this)

BigBlueButton is a software for video conferences, like Zoom, that you can use in your Browser. You won't need an account to use BBB.

BBB might sometimes be used for some classes with smaller groups of students at UHH.

Therefore, you should test if BigBlueButton works for you right now. You can use the following page for that: https://test.bigbluebutton.org
After selecting an arbitrary name (during UHH classes, you should use your full name), you can start the test session via "Join".

You will then receive a prompt that asks you if you want to join with a microphone or if you want to listen only. Always join with a microphone, because otherwise you will not be able to unmute yourself later and have to rejoin the session to be able to. Don't worry, you can still mute yourself after joining with a microphone.

Your browser may ask you which device(s) to use. If you're not sure, BBB has got your back: After confirming your choice, you will be connected to the "echo test" where you should be able to hear yourself. If you do, everything is fine and you can click on the green thumbs up. Otherwise, click the red thumbs down and you will have the possibility to refine your settings until it works.

When you have successfully joined the session, you will find at the bottom three buttons for

  • mute / unmute,
  • enabling / disabling audio (the one you hear), and
  • enabling / disabling your webcam.

As a rule of thumb, you should

  • be muted by default unless you want to say something,
  • always have your audio enabled unless you're in a break, and
  • always have your webcam enabled if it's possible.

On the left, you'll find a list of participants. If you left-click on your name, there will be an option to set your status which we'll probably use at some place.

If your internet connection is bad, you'll also find a data saving mode in the settings if you click on the three-dot menu (⋮) at the top right. Please also remember to always log out at the end of sessions, using the same button.