In an increasingly connected world, virtual classrooms have become a cornerstone of online training. With Chamilo LMS, a robust and intuitive e-learning platform, educational institutions and businesses have a powerful tool to organize and deliver real-time interactive sessions.
Virtual classrooms break geographical barriers, bringing learners and trainers together in a dynamic virtual environment. By integrating video conferencing solutions like BigBlueButton or Zoom, Chamilo LMS ensures a seamless and engaging experience with key features such as:
- Screen sharing for enriching visual presentations.
- Interactive whiteboards to foster collaboration.
- Breakout rooms for small group activities.
- Session recordings for later access and effective review.
With its user-friendly interface and built-in pedagogical tools, Chamilo simplifies virtual classroom management while enhancing meaningful interaction among participants. Whether for professional training, academic courses, or webinars, Chamilo offers a modern and accessible learning experience.
Installing the video conferencing plugin
To provide video conferencing functionality to your users, you need to activate and configure the appropriate plugin. Navigate to the configuration settings of your Chamilo portal under the "Plugins" section. From there, you can install, activate, and customize the video conferencing plugin to suit your needs.
This step is crucial to ensure optimal integration of video conferencing features and to offer an enriched, interactive learning experience.
Using virtual classrooms with Chamilo LMS
To use virtual classrooms with Chamilo LMS, a BigBlueButton video conferencing server is essential. You have two options: set up your own server or request a quote from an official Chamilo provider.
Once you have the hostname and security key of your BigBlueButton server, you're ready to configure the integration on your platform. Detailed installation and configuration instructions are available directly from the video conferencing plugin page in Chamilo’s administration interface.
This process ensures a smooth and secure integration, enabling an optimal virtual classroom experience for your users.
How virtual classrooms work in Chamilo
Once your portal is set up to enable virtual classrooms, you can integrate this tool directly into your courses via the "Interaction" section.
Three types of conferences can be configured to meet your needs:
- Global conferences: Accessible to all users via a unique link, ideal for open sessions or webinars.
- User-specific global conferences: Each user has their own dedicated room, suitable for one-on-one sessions or tutoring.
- Group-specific conferences: Organize meetings or collaborative activities tailored to specific groups of learners.
This flexibility allows you to customize your virtual classrooms to the needs of both learners and trainers.
A virtual classroom with BigBlueButton (Other possible solutions)
BigBlueButton (Other possible solutions) offers various configurations and activities to enrich your online sessions. For example, you can create a private meeting room for confidential discussions or individual tutoring.
Pro Tip:
Did you know that selecting a tool in Chamilo is just a click away? By clicking the eye-shaped icon associated with a tool:
- If the icon is gray, the tool is deactivated and hidden from learners.
- If the icon is colored, the tool is active and accessible to course participants.
To quickly check available tools in your course, switch to "Learner View." This allows you to immediately see what learners can access.
Key features of video conferencing
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Uploading presentations and external videos
You can upload any document or PDF file to your virtual classroom. Additionally, you can load a video by simply providing a URL to an external source (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Instructure Media, Twitch, Dailymotion, etc.). Ensure the video is publicly accessible for smooth playback during the session. -
Conducting polls
You can run polls for learners on a topic discussed during the video conference. Once the poll is launched, results can be displayed in real-time, allowing learners to follow response trends and engage in discussions based on observed patterns. -
Using and saving shared notes
Share notes during the video conference and, at the end of the session, save them as an HTML, plain text, Microsoft Word, PDF, or ODF file. These files can be directly added as a new document in your course, allowing learners to access them after the session.
Did you know?
You can choose whether or not to record your video conferencing sessions. If you opt for recording, Chamilo allows you to add a direct link to the recorded session in the "Course Links" tool, providing learners with easy access for follow-up.
Professional needs?
With these features and capabilities, Chamilo LMS stands out as an essential platform for building a distance learning project on a modern, sustainable, and truly learner-centered pedagogical model.
However, to fully leverage its potential, it must be tailored precisely to the unique needs of each organization. Through BeezNest's technical and pedagogical expertise, any organization with specific requirements can benefit from a fully customized platform optimized for both learner comfort and strategic objectives.
This bespoke approach also provides a significant competitive advantage: by differentiating with an innovative, tailored solution, organizations can diversify their offerings, attract new audiences, and strengthen their position in an increasingly demanding sector. With BeezNest's expertise, Chamilo becomes more than just an LMS—it becomes a strategic tool for transforming online training into a driver of success.
Want to learn more about Chamilo LMS and BeezNest? Contact us by filling out our contact form.