2. schul-frei
3. schul-frei.dev
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5. Zen

Due to the spread of COVID-19, schools are being closed across the board and teachers and pupils are going to have to communicate via the Internet. Here we list free tools that can be used by teachers to create a remote teaching environment for a class.

1. Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is a web application for audio and video conferencing, which teachers and pupils can use for online lessons. Each participant sees a tile view showing the transmissions of others. A click on the Hand symbol allows one to "put their hand up". It is also possible to transmit the contents of the user's screen, or just a single window, instead of the video feed. This allows the teacher to show slides etc. There is also a text-based chat facility via which information such as links can be shared.

Where can I find Jitsi Meet?

As well as the [official instance](https://meet.jit.si/), Teckids also provide an instance of Jitsi Meet specifically for use in education. The address is [meet.teckids.org](https://meet.teckids.org). Jitsi Meet can be accessed with Desktop devices from the web browser or on smartphones/tablets with the Jitsi Meet app (available from app stores).

Do I need to have an account to use Jitsi Meet?

No, Jitsi Meet works without an account. One simply shares the link that leads to the conference room. All participants then need to click that link, and then grant access to the microphone and camera in the browser.

How can I see who is participating in the video conference?

The participants can use the three-dots menu at the bottom right of the browser window to identify themselves by specifying (first) name and, if applicable, email address.

Who can create conference rooms?

Anyone can create rooms, without restriction.

Can I create passwords for rooms?

Yes. Room Passwords can be set via the "i" that is to be found at the bottom right of the browser window.

Are pure audio conferences also possible?

Yes, that is also possible. However, if you do not need video or screen transmission, we would request that you use the Mumble tool instead (see below) to save resources.

Is dial-in using a telephone possible?

Dialing into a conference using a telephone call is possible through a german land-line phone number (or will be possible from Tuesday, March 17 2020). The necessary information is available from the information button.

2. BigBlueButton

[BigBlueButton](https://bigbluebutton.org/) provides video conferencing and a lot more, to facilitate and improve online teaching. This includes an interactive whiteboard that the presenter can use alone, or all participants can share as a whiteboard, or on which anyone can create presentation material. The solution also offers extensive Moderation and collaboration opportunities, so-called "breakout rooms", to temporarily split a group into smaller groups, and a lot more.

Where can I find BigBlueButton?