Inviting Multiple Classes to one BigBlueButton Conference

[sue_kuestner]

I teach two sections of the same course. I want to set up one conference using BigBlueButton and invite both classes.  The only choice I am getting when I want to invite students are the students in the class I am logged into on Canvas when I set up the conference. I have tried starting two separate conferences but then the audio does not work in either. It would be much better if I could merge the two conferences into one, or just be able to invite both classes into one conference to begin with. Anyone have any ideas?

[bgibson]

Funny, but I don't think of the technical issues of how to do this, but if you should do it according to FERPA.  New FERPA requirements for cross-listed courses!

[sue_kuestner]

Thank you. I did not think about FERPA. I will have to keep this in mind.

[Stef_retired · Accepted solution]

sue.kuestner, Canvas Conferences do not accommodate creating conferences across multiple courses; each course is individual and discrete, and as  @bgibson ​ notes, circumventing that might run afoul of FERPA. If you feel comfortable that you have addressed the potential privacy issues, I've seen a solution suggested that involves the creation of a group that lives outside of your courses (keeping in mind that if you are not a Canvas admin, the admin will have to create the group for you). The admin would add the students from both of your courses--and you, as the group leader--to that group, and you would then be able to conduct a single conference that includes all of your students. The steps required for an admin to set up the group are detailed in  @Chris_Hofer ​'s blog post Paper Pumpkin - Campus Clubs and Groups

[sue_kuestner]

Thank you for your reply. I will forward your idea on to our Canvas admin, who will hopefully have an idea about how to avoid violating FERPA. It might be that it can't be done, but it is worth looking into.

[DanieleGrandini]

Hello, I wonder if there is a 2024 update on the FERPA issue. Typically, professors teach multiple courses each semester, with office hours common to all courses. For remote office hours I have used Zoom so far, but it would be nice to be able to use Canvas instead.

[deborah_okey]

Excellent point. We need to be able to use Big Blue Button for office hours in colleges, especially during shut-downs. We do not hold separate office hours for each course.