Video conferencing systems enable online communication and collaboration between participants. Basic functions of the systems are, in addition to audio and video transmission, the ability to share the screen, polling options as well as chat and note-taking functions.
Prerequisites for successful use
We recommend for participation in a video conference:
- a powerful terminal device,
- a headset,
- a webcam,
- a stable and fast internet connection,
- no light source in the background
Despite similar basic functions, video conferencing systems differ in their operation. We therefore recommend that you familiarise yourself with the chosen system and its options in advance.
Our system comparisons and selection aids
Depending on the underlying scenario - from confidential consultation hours and seminars to conferences and public lectures with up to 300 participants - the requirements for videoconferencing differ in both technical and didactic requirements. Depending on the intended use, whiteboards, breakout rooms, the possibility of telephone dial-in, recording function or integration into the central learning platform Moodle are useful additional functions. When choosing a suitable video conferencing system, security, data protection, stability and scalability of the system are relevant.
Online seminars, online lectures
The BigBlueButton (BBB) video conferencing system for teaching courses (lecture.uni-leipzig.de) has an integrated public and private chat, a shared whiteboard, an online survey tool and the possibility to share presentations, videos (from public platforms) or your own screen. The web conferencing system BBB (Teaching) is available with and without Moodle integration, can be used for recording courses and includes the following functionalities:
Audio transmission: yes
Video transmission: yes
Recording: yes (only by moderator)
Screen sharing: yes (but not in Safari)
Text chat: yes
Whiteboard with drawing function: yes (whiteboard can only be archived as screenshot)
External participants: no
Internet browser (recommendation): Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Microsoft Edge)
Recommended number of participants: 100 with a few cameras
Breakout rooms: yes, up to 16
Security/data protection: Leipzig University's own servers; password for room possible
Licence/access: free for members of the University of Leipzig
additional functions: Polls, collaborative note function, play videos (from public platforms)
Discussion in smaller groups, consultation hours, confidential conferences
You can use the BigBlueButton video conferencing system (Meet) for meetings in smaller groups, office hours or consultations outside of teaching. You can log in with your university login.
Audio transmission: yes
Video transmission: yes
Recording: no
Screen sharing: yes
Text chat: yes
Whiteboard with drawing function: yes (whiteboard can only be archived as screenshot)
External participants: yes
Internet browser (recommendation): Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Microsoft Edge)
Recommended number of participants: 20 with camera
Breakout rooms: yes, up to 16
Security/data protection: Leipzig University's own servers; password for room possible
Licence/access: free for members of the University of Leipzig
additional functions: Polls, collaborative note function, play videos (from public platforms)
The Skype for Business video conferencing system is a collaboration platform that combines chat, telephone and video conferencing with other functions. Synchronous, location-independent collaboration scenarios can be organised via Skype for Business.
The service video conferencing with Skype for Business offers users:
- Chat function
- IP telephony
- Screen sharing
- Integration of contacts and groups based on the Outlook/Exchange address book
- Integration of contact lists from local directory services such as Microsoft Exchange Server
- Detailed instructions on how to set up under different operating systems
- available web plugin
Audio transmission: yes
Video transmission: yes (face-to-face video calls)
Recording: yes (made available to the meeting room owner as a download in the DFNconf portal for 14 days)
Screen sharing: yes (presentation of content e.g. screen, presentations possible)
Text chat: yes
Whiteboard with drawing function: yes
External participants: yes
Internet browser (recommendation): Chromium-based browser (Chrome, Microsoft Edge)
Recommended number of participants: up to 25 with camera
Breakout rooms: yes
Security/data protection: German server
Licence/access: free for employees of the University of Leipzig (every employee of the University of Leipzig is automatically activated for the video conferencing service of the German Research Network (DFN))
additional functions: Drawing, access via telephone or headset possible (in addition to the video conferencing solution, telephone conferences can also be started via this), notes, surveys
Participants in a video conference do not need a university login. Collaboration with external participants is therefore uncomplicated.
Please use the "Organiser Login" button to create a conference room. Select "Universität Leipzig" on the following page. Then log in with your university login. Now you can start a video or telephone conference.
After a meeting room or a telephone conference has been created, you can view all the important information for participating in the conference using the links "Einladung (de)" or "Invitation (en)" and send it to participants.
Participants in a video conference do not need a university login. Collaboration with external participants is therefore uncomplicated.
You can find more detailed information on use at www.conf.dfn.de/anleitungen-und-dokumentation/pexip/.
Large courses
Zoom is a software package that enables video conferences - so-called meetings - to be held with up to 300 participants. In addition to private and public chat functions and the transmission of video and audio sources, Zoom offers the possibility of screen sharing, polls and virtual group rooms. This allows you to implement digital teaching and other online meetings (committees, working groups, etc.). All members of the University of Leipzig can log in with their official e-mail address, set up a video conference or take part in one as part of fulfilling the University's statutory duties.
Audio transmission: yes
Video transmission: yes
Recording: yes (by host)
Screen sharing: yes
Text chat: yes
Whiteboard with drawing function: yes (whiteboard can only be archived as screenshot)
External participants: yes
Internet browser (recommendation): Chrome browser (all operating systems) or Edge, or App (all operating systems)
Recommended number of participants: 300
Breakout rooms: yes
Security/data protection: American and European servers; password protection possible
Licence/access: free for students and employees of the university
additional functions: Drawing (also participants), telephone dial-in*, screen sharing with system audio (via desktop app e.g. for videos)