SoftwareCrunch

BigBlueButton is an open source video conferencing application which is specifically built for remote learning but can be used for standard meetings as well. It enables universities and colleges to deliver a high-quality learning experience to remote students

The application enables multiple users to login & share their webcam or communicate via VOIP at the same time.

It is a very ideal application for presentations as users can upload PDF or office documents & keep everyone in sync with their current page, zoom, pan, mouse pointer etc.

Also, users can share their desktop with others easily.

There are three user roles in BigBlueButton: viewer, presenter, and moderator

Viewer: are users who have no authority within the conference; their primary role is to view the presentation as well as chat amongst other participants. In a course the viewer would be the students.

Presenter: has all the same capabilities as a participant, with the added features of uploading presentations and sharing their desktop

Moderator: has all the capabilities as a participant, with the added features of uploading presentations and sharing their desktop.

Users can raise hands to get the attention of the presenter, mute any other participants they want & chat between themselves in public or privately.

BigBlueButton completely relies on open source technologies & it can be improved further with the API provided.