Features on Discord to Run Effective Study Groups
Topics: Discord study group
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in significant ways, some in negative and others in positive.
We cannot deny the fact that it has truly brought about a new and fast-paced digital revolution. One among the highly impacted areas by this was the education sector. Online education became the norm for a while, becoming an intricate part of the students’ lives. Even when things went back to normal, students continued to use online platforms for their various academic activities, such as study groups, virtual classrooms, distance learning, etc. Study groups help students in understanding information more efficiently, enhance personal and professional skills, help with procrastination, and minimize test anxiety. Study groups tweak up your creativity and communication skills.
Vygotsky’s theory of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) holds up the view that students learn and achieve more while working with more knowledgeable peers. This article explores one such online platform, Discord, that helps in running effective online study groups.
What is Discord?
Discord is a free communication platform that offers users text, voice, video chat, and file-sharing options. Initially built for the gaming communities in 2015, Discord quickly expanded its horizon and became a preferred platform for real-time communication, with over 614 million registered users and 200 million monthly active users. It soon became a versatile tool for peer-to-peer learning and established itself in the academic settings as well. It is a flexible and informal but structured platform. Different communities or servers can be created or joined by users based on their own interests, projects, and study areas.
Discord Server
A Discord server comprises text and voice channels, which helps smoothen your communication with the other members of the server. The text channels are designed for dedicated written conversations, providing space for each member of the server to put forward their ideas and help conduct healthy discussions. Individual channels can also be created for the topics and subtopics that your group decides on, which gives you abundant space to extensively discuss them in an organized and structured way so that no area slips out of your mind. Voice channels, on the other hand, connect you with your peers through voice and video chat. Just click on a voice channel to enter; there is no need to make a call or ring anyone
. Other members of your server can notice when you’re in a voice channel and can conveniently join in to talk, greet you via video, or share their screen with everyone.
Apps and Activities on Discord
Jamspace Whiteboard: When studying, visual explanations of concepts are typically more effective than verbal ones. Jam-space Whiteboard is an activity created by Discord that can be accessed within a voice channel by clicking the rocket ship button. Using a digital whiteboard can be an excellent method for studying together with your friends and organizing anything you desire. Sticky notes can be added and rearranged on a flowchart. You can also solve a math problem together or design a prototype. You can highlight the important points and also put a star on the most important ones, as per your need. All these options can be explored to make your learning fun and creative.
LionBot: With LionBot, you have the ideal Discord partner to help your entire community foster excellent study practices. It features options to set up specific studying channels and profile cards that display individuals who have achieved study milestones, and timers to provide necessary breaks between study sessions. This helps you to keep a check on your progress as well as that of the others.
TStudy: This specific studying app available on Discord enables you to create a task list to monitor your study progress and permits you to share that same list with fellow students.
Advantages and Disadvantages
An advantage of using Discord is that it builds a safe and secure environment for students to connect with each other. Discord facilitates and aims to smooth asynchronous communication, which means that it does not require all students to be online at the same time, enabling them to take part in conversations according to their convenience. The platform also helps in keeping the discussions focused, which prevents students from deviating from the main topic of discussion. But, while Discord provides many benefits, it comes not without its drawbacks. The most concerning issue with it is that it allows users to quickly switch between servers, which can cause distractions. In addition to that, some customization and file-sharing features are limited in its free version.
Conclusion
Taking all the pros and cons into account, Discord serves as a handy and convenient communication tool that can improve interaction among students and help run effective study groups. It has the capability to be an excellent resource for educational settings that offers a safe space for students to study together and engage in healthy discussions.
References:
- https://www.demandsage.com/discord-statistics/#:~:text=Discord%20continues%20to%20solidify%20its,200%20million%20monthly%20active%20users
- https://www.emerald.com/lthe/article/doi/10.1108/LTHE-12-2024-0001/1254683/Bridging-learning-gaps-through-Discord-peer-to
- https://tenneyschool.com/pros-cons-using-discord-classroom/
- https://discord.com/
FAQ’s
1. What is a Discord study group?
A Discord study group is an online space where students use text, voice, or video channels to collaborate, share resources, and learn together.
2. How do I create a Discord study group?
To create a Discord study group, set up a server, add text and voice channels, invite peers, and customize roles for better management.
3. Why should students use a Discord study group?
A Discord study group helps students stay organized, beat procrastination, share knowledge, and improve academic performance through teamwork.
4. What features make Discord study groups effective?
Features like text channels, voice chat, screen sharing, bots, and apps such as Jamspace Whiteboard and LionBot make Discord study groups effective.
5. Can a Discord study group reduce procrastination?
Yes, a Discord study group provides accountability and structured study sessions, making it harder for students to procrastinate.
6. How does a Discord study group support peer learning?
A Discord study group encourages peer-to-peer discussions, group problem solving, and knowledge sharing, enhancing the learning experience.
7. Are Discord study groups free to use?
Yes, creating and joining a Discord study group is free. However, premium features like higher file uploads require Discord Nitro.
8. Which apps can improve a Discord study group?
Jamspace Whiteboard, LionBot, and TStudy are popular apps that boost collaboration and productivity in a Discord study group.
9. Can Discord study groups help with test preparation?
Yes, a Discord study group allows students to review materials, share notes, and conduct mock tests, reducing exam anxiety.
10. What are the advantages of a Discord study group?
A Discord study group offers flexibility, focused discussions, peer support, and a safe space for learning at one’s own pace.
11. What are the disadvantages of a Discord study group?
The main drawbacks of a Discord study group are distractions from multiple servers and limited free customization options.
12. How do voice channels help in a Discord study group?
Voice channels in a Discord study group allow instant voice or video chats, screen sharing, and real-time brainstorming sessions.
13. Can teachers use Discord study groups for classes?
Yes, teachers can set up a Discord study group to organize lessons, provide resources, and host interactive learning sessions.
14. Is a Discord study group better than WhatsApp groups?
Yes, a Discord study group is more structured, with separate channels, bots, and better organization compared to WhatsApp groups.
15. How do I stay productive in a Discord study group?
To stay productive in a Discord study group, set study schedules, use bots for timers, and participate actively in discussions.
Penned by kinjal Bagrecha
Edited by Reeya Kumari, Research Analyst
For any feedback mail us at [email protected]
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