MoodleCloud Expands BigBlueButton Web Conferencing Options

MoodleCloud, a hosted service for the open source Moodle LMS, is giving schools the ability to purchase more user licenses of BigBlueButton as an add-on to the service. MoodleCloud itself ranges in price from free (for up to $50 users) to about $760 per year for Moodle for School sites serving up to $500 users. (Larger plans are also available.)

BigBlueButton is an open source web conferencing system for sharing real-time "audio, video, slides, chat, desktop and polls" in online classes. The service, which was started by Blindside Networks in 2008, has been available free for up to six users through MoodleCloud. Now up to 30 users per site will be able to use those features.

"Moodle's mission has always been to help educators improve learning with open, accessible tools to use as they wish," said Moodle Founder and CEO Martin Dougiamas in a prepared statement. "Together with our good open source friends at BigBlueButton, we have, to date, been able to offer up to six free users to access high quality web conferencing system in the MoodleCloud sites. Requests for more BigBlueButton users indicate that educators and learners are effectively using the full video, audio, whiteboarding and presentation support in their MoodleCloud sites. So we are pleased to offer the BigBlueButton add on option for all Moodle for School sites."

With the new option, Moodle for Schools users can purchase, in increments of six users, up to 30 seats. Licenses start at about $230 ($300 AUS). To access the add-on option, users log into their portal and click "Upgrade your plan and purchase add-ons."

Additional details can be found at moodlecloud.com.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • Abstract AI circuit board pattern

    Nonprofit LawZero to Work Toward Safer, Truthful AI

    Turing Award-winning AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a nonprofit aimed at developing AI systems that prioritize safety and truthfulness over autonomy.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • magnifying glass with AI icon in the center

    Google Releases Learning-Themed AI Mode Features for Search

    Ahead of back-to-school season, Google has introduced new AI Mode features in Search, including image and PDF queries on desktop, a Canvas tool for planning, real-time help with Search Live, and Lens integration in Chrome.

  • sunlit classroom with laptops on every desk, each displaying a glowing AI speech bubble icon above the screen

    Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Become Available for Teen Students

    This summer, Microsoft is expanding availability of its Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot products for students aged 13 and older. Administrators will be able to grant access for students based on their institution's plans and preferences, the company announced in a blog post.