Meetings: Student User Features

Meetings: Student (Participant) User Features

Meetings (also called BigBlueButton) is a web conferencing tool in Sakai that instructors may use to hold "live" class meetings online with their students.

How to join a meeting

• Check what equipment is required (Devices and Browsers) link to Amy's page
• Join a Meeting with a mobile device (video)
• [Join audio (with or without a microphone, plus troubleshooting tips)

What kind of device and browser do I need?

• Desktop/Laptop: Chrome or Firefox (latest versions)
• iPhone/iPad (iOS (12.2+): Safari
• Android (6.0+): Chrome

Do I need a headset or webcam?

• You do not need a headset or webcam unless your instructor requests it.
• You need speakers so you can hear audio. (Make sure the volume is turned up.)
• If you don’t have a microphone and need to say something, you can type in the Public Chat area.
• You can also join by phone if needed.

How do I access my class meeting on Sakai?

• Desktop/laptop - Read the step-by-step instructions on how to join a meeting via computer:
  • Student Instructions for Using Meetings in Sakai (PDF)

• Mobile device - View the video to learn how to join a meeting in Sakai via mobile device:
  

What can I do in a meeting?

After you've joined a meeting, you can view your instructor's presentation, type messages in the Public Chat, mute/unmute your microphone, and more.

For detailed info on what you can do, see page 3 of this handout:
Student Instructions for Using Meetings in Sakai (PDF)

You can also view this video to learn how to get around in a meeting:

Should I share my webcam? At this time, we recommend NOT sharing your webcam unless your instructor requests it. This is to conserve bandwidth so that meetings run smoothly. If you share your webcam, your instructor will see it, but your fellow students will not. However, your webcam WILL be visible to all in the meeting recording.

What if I lose connectivity in a meeting?

You may get disconnected from a session -- for example, if your bandwidth drops too low.

Refresh your browser if you get disconnected (or if things don't seem to be working). Refreshing the browser will give you a new connection and, if the bandwidth drop was temporary, you should be able to reconnect within a few seconds to rejoin the meeting.

If refreshing doesn't work...

• check your internet connection
• try logging in with a different browser or on a different device

Where can I find the recording after a meeting?

If your instructor records the meeting, here's where you'll find it:

• Click Meetings in your class Sakai site, and then click the Recordings tab.
• Note: Recordings do not appear immediately at the end of the meeting. It make be a few hours before it is available.