In addition, the e-learning working group provides detailed information on their websites about online live formats in teaching. Learn more
In your consideration of using BBB or Zoom, please see the following note regarding the use of video conferencing systems.
The supervisory authority recommends the use of BBB for data protection reasons, as this platform is operated locally and thus no personal data is transferred to the USA. However, BBB shows instabilities with group sizes of about 100 people or more. For events with larger numbers of participants, the use of ZOOM is therefore permitted, provided that a European data trustee is interposed. At the TU Darmstadt we use ZOOM X in conjunction with Telekom AG as data trustee. It should be noted that despite these measures, some personal data may end up in the USA. The supervisory authority tolerates this risk provided that no alternative solutions are available. This applies to teaching events with larger groups.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Pelz (Vice President for Digitalisation, Sustainability and Infrastructure)
Data protection compliant use of Zoom
Further information on the data protection-compliant use of Zoom for teaching at Hessian universities can be found at datenschutz.hessen.de.
Video conferencing systems
BigBlueButton
BigBlueButton (BBB) is an open-source web conferencing tool for conducting online meetings, which is offered in a data-protection-compliant manner in cooperation with the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da).
BBB offers functions to support online teaching and online collaboration at the TU Darmstadt. It is integrated into the Moodle learning platform.
BBB can be used by employees and students of TU Darmstadt.
Zoom X
With Zoom X, Telekom's Zoom variant, you can hold large online video conferences as standard as part of the campus licence. The campus licence is available to all employees and students of TU Darmstadt for events with up to 300 participants. If required, the licence can be extended to up to 1000 participants.
Due to its ease of use, special configurations for large events and high availability even with larger numbers of participants, Zoom X is particularly suitable for online teaching events.
DFNconf
Via DFNconf – the conference service in the German Research Network (DFN) – you can organise video and audio conferences on the web or on mobile devices free of charge. Information can be shared during the meeting via video or screen sharing.
Employees can participate in conferences and set them up whereas students can participate only.
Room equipment with video conferencing systems
Since there is no recommendation for a single video conferencing system at the TU Darmstadt, the HRZ recommends the universal operating model BYOD (“Bring your own device”), known from the lecture halls, for equipping rooms with video conferencing technology.
In addition to your own device, video conferencing technology should be provided as an accessory in meeting rooms. Users bring their laptops into the room and use the video conferencing system with the accessories available there. The easiest way is via a USB cable, but wireless is also possible.
The following systems can be mentioned as examples of video conferencing technology: Logitech Meetup, Logitech GROUP, Logitech Rally, Poly Studio, Jabra Panacast 50. Table systems such as Meeting Owl, and Panasonic PressIT360 are also included.
In future, the BYOD operating model will also be available for video conferences and hybrid events in the lecture halls. There, too, you will be able to use the media technology available in the room with your own laptop via the USB connection.
Jabber: The Unified Communication Client at TU Darmstadt
Using the Jabber Client, TU employees who have a Cisco device with personal telephone number can set up video conferences, share screen contents and even exchange files with just a few clicks, without leaving the application. Learn more
When more than two people participate in the video call, the Cisco Meeting Server becomes active. Independent of the Jabber application, the Cisco Meeting Server can also be accessed via a web interface. This is especially useful if you plan to invite non-TU members to your meeting. The conference platform is suitable for meetings with up to 30 people.
The servers for UC telephony and meetings are located at the TU Darmstadt and are also administered there. The conference platform thus complies with the requirements of the DSGVO. Quick guide
