In the realm of online classroom solutions, the choice between BigBlueButton and Jitsi can be crucial. Both are commendable open-source video conference systems, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we delve into a side-by-side analysis to guide you in making the right decision for your virtual classroom.

What is Jitsi?

Jitsi stands as a versatile, free, and open-source suite supporting voice (VoIP), video conferencing, and instant messaging across various platforms. Originating from the SIP Communicator, Jitsi evolved with WebRTC, introducing the Jitsi Video bridge for web-based multi-party video calling. Jitsi Support, its video conferencing app, caters to web, mobile, and computer users. Notably, meet.jit.si provides a free community-hosted version. Additional projects include Jigasi, lib-jitsi-meet, Jidesha, and Jitsi.

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What is BigBlueButton?

BigBlueButton emerges as a dedicated web conferencing solution tailored for Linux servers, primarily serving online education. Recognized by the Open Source Initiative, BigBlueButton requires only a basic HTML5 client. Leveraging WebRTC, it facilitates real-time communication of audio, video, and screen sharing. Its front-end relies on React, while the backend operates on MongoDB and Node.js, complemented by Redis for managing meetings, attendees, and relevant information.

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Feature Comparison

Let’s dissect the essential features of both Jitsi and BigBlueButton. Jitsi caters to online meetings, video conferences, voice conferencing, and instant messaging. Conversely, BigBlueButton focuses primarily on online training sessions, incorporating a whiteboard and computer sharing to facilitate real-time interaction among numerous users.

Features	BigBlueButton	Jitsi
Whiteboard	Yes	No
Documents Upload	Yes	No
Breakout Rooms	Yes	No
Video Options	Yes	Yes
Chat	Yes	Yes
Polling	Yes	No
Multi-User Whiteboard	Yes	No
Shared Notes	Yes	No
Hand Rise	Yes	Yes
Emojis	Yes	Yes
Video Share	Yes	No
Closed Captions	Yes	No
Audio	Yes	Yes
Easy Recordings	Yes	No

Integration Comparison

For online classrooms, BigBlueButton Integration into a Learning Management System (LMS) is pivotal. BigBlueButton outshines Jitsi in terms of integration with various platforms.

LMS & CMS	BigBlueButton Plugin	Jitsi Plugin
Canvas	Yes	No
Chamilo	Yes	No
Docebo	Yes	No
Drupal	Yes	No
ILIAS	Yes	No
Moodle	Yes	Yes
Mattermost	Yes	No
Nextcloud	Yes	No
OpenOLAT	Yes	No
Sakai Project	Yes	No
Tiki Wiki CMS	Yes	No
Qwerteach	Yes	No
WordPress	Yes	Yes
Joomla	Yes	No
KampüsProject	Yes	No
CollaboratorLMS	Yes	No

Conclusion: Jitsi vs BigBlueButton

In summary, BigBlueButton emerges as the superior choice for online classrooms. While both platforms share an open-source nature and utilize web browsers as clients, BigBlueButton’s edge lies in its extensive integration capabilities with Learning Management Systems. Noteworthy features like a multi-user whiteboard, breakout rooms, and video-sharing further set it apart from Jitsi.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge Jitsi’s recent initiatives, such as collaborations with the European Commission, indicating its commitment to enhancing educational functionalities. The trajectory of Jitsi Support growth suggests a promising future, providing users with a broader spectrum of alternatives.

FAQ

Q1: Can Jitsi be expected to catch up with BigBlueButton’s integration capabilities?

• Jitsi has shown commitment to educational enhancements, with collaborations and initiatives indicating potential growth. Keep an eye on future developments.

Q2: What advantages does BigBlueButton offer in terms of online classroom features?

• BigBlueButton excels with a multi-user whiteboard, breakout rooms, and video-sharing capabilities, fostering collaborative learning experiences.

Q3: Are there ongoing efforts to enhance Jitsi’s role in education?

• Yes, Jitsi has engaged in collaborative efforts, such as hackathons with the European Commission, signaling a dedication to improving its utility in the educational sector.