Big Blue Button - Distance Learning

[comtjm]

Does Big Blue Button work reliably for students studying in Middle Eastern Countries (UEA, Qatar,....etc) where other web conferencing tools are now banned (e.g Skype for Business)? Also, can  students use it legally, i.e. not using work-arounds such as VPNs? We have a growing number of distance learning students in this region and I'm interested to know if anyone has experienced access issue due to government restrictions. #bigbluebutton

[Chris_Hofer]

Hello  @comtjm  Thank You for posting your question.  I'm not too sure of an answer for you, but I think I know someone who might be able to help you.   @ffdixon ‌, would you be able to help Jonathan with some of his questions?

[ffdixon · Accepted solution]

Hi Jonathan,

I am the product manager for BigBlueButton.  Since I work at Blindside Networks (the folks providing hosting for Canvas Conferences), I can't speak for Instructure, but I can try and answer your question.

We've seen issues with accessing Canvas Conferences from within the Arab states (for the reasons you pointed out).

The best answer I can give is to simply try it.  It may work, but then it might not.  We do have components in our infrastructure to help users connect behind restrictive firewalls, but if the firewall do a deep inspection of packets, this may not work.

Do you have the ability to have someone test from UEA, Qatar, etc. and let us know if it works for them.

Regards,... Fred

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BigBlueButton Developer

[comtjm]

Hi Fred,

Thank you for your reply. I guessed as much but it’s always good to have these things confirmed. We will certainly let you know what we learn from trying BBB with our students in this region.

Many thanks again

Jonathan