Go to administration and then plugins and search video conference or bigbluebutton. There are several, but some have not been updated for moodle 2.7 Bigbluebutton appears to be frequently updated on a regular basis.
Does this link help? https://moodle.org/plugins/search.php?s=bigbluebutton&search=Search+plugins
I must admit setting up a web conference with moodle is a learning curve, but there has been a lot of advise given on moodle org with bluebutton in the past. Best to give it a try, and aske here for updated advice when you you have followed the necessary instructions and are in the process of installing it.
Video conferencing is resource intensive, you will need plenty of network bandwidth and disk space. Also if you are dealing with users who have limited resources they may find the experience unsatisfactory and there is not much you can do about that.
I suggest finding a video conferencing product or company that you think is best, and then linking to it from within Moodle.
I did some research a few months ago and BigBlueButton should be considered seriously.
I did the same research last year and came to the same conclusion. However, in my case, the location of my server just did not have the bandwidth for me to use BigBlueButton.
Since my needs were usually just to talk with one student at a time, I downloaded and tried the Skype addon available here https://moodle.org/plugins/view.php?plugin=mod_skype. Even though it is listed for Moodle 2.2, I tried it anyway on my dev site. It does generate a few warnings, but worked anyway.
I tried sending a message to the maintainer back in July 2014, but he hasn't logged into Moodle since a month before that. The warnings were simple enough that I was able to fix them myself and have them on github at https://github.com/drachels/moodle_skype_activity if anyone wants to try it out.
The Moodle Skype addon is basically just a "phonebook" in Moodle and when you use it, it starts the normal Skype program.
So skype is ok for one to one.
There has been many posts in the past of moodlers attempting to install and use bigbluebutton. How are they getting on now?
It would be nice to hear from those who are currently using bigbluebutton. Hopefully all with positive news, or am I asking too much. And is it ok too use a shared host?.
Hello John,
I have used BBB with great success. It is open source and the installation can be done via the repositories in Ubuntu with minimal effort. If you want to seriously consider BBB, you should have a look at their wiki, particularly the FAQ and installation instructions. One other thing to consider is that BBB is about to release the RC of 0.90 which should contain the highly anticipated mobile client for use with Smartphones and tablets.
BBB provides a rich features set and accounts for multiple use cases. Integration with Moodle is a trivial affair, requiring only the IP of the separate BBB server and the salt to connect. The activity modules are available via the moodle plugin site and are regularly maintained.
NB. BBB requires that it be installed on a separate server to moodle and it cannot be installed on a shared host due to the processing requirements. Again, refer to the FAQ for minimum requirements.
https://code.google.com/p/bigbluebutton/wiki/FAQ
https://code.google.com/p/bigbluebutton/wiki/090InstallationUbuntu
Hi Mathieu
We were basically sold on BBB until I discovered it does not work on iOS devices (iPhone and iPads) since it is using Flash video. I corresponded to the HTML5 coordinator who hopes to have a solution next year.
I wondered if you found a solution or if you are just OK not having video on Apple devices.
Thanks for your help and input
I thought the HTML5 version was going to be released faster than that?
Can't say I use Apple devices (nor BBB really) but have you tried Puffin Browser? From what I've heard it's a way around IOS being a pain re Flash.
Thanks Just,
Fred Dixon told me HTML5 support is slated for 2017
I understand there may be workarounds, but if we are looking to create something for a community, obviously we want it to be user friendly and not force people to download a different browser just to use our site!!
thank you for this update. I'll try now
I have an error when i want to install this plugin
"The given plugin type is missing the expected English language file mod_skype.php."
Do you have an idea ?
ok found it.
Just rename skype.php in the lang directory to mod_skype.
But now, I can't see the skype activity
I attach a screenshoot
My Moodle version is 2.7.7
I'm very interested in how the Skype plugin is faring. Did you ever get it to show in Activities? Are you happy? Did you take it out? Anyone else?
Thanks much.
