The Pros and Cons of Using Discord in the Classroom (2024)

Technology has impacted the way students learn and interact with each other in the classroom. The traditional in-person experience has been replaced by online learning, which has opened up a world of opportunities for teachers and students alike. One such platform gaining traction in the classroom is Discord, a chatroom-style program that can be used in the classroom to facilitate student engagement and collaboration. Here is an overview of the program and a discussion of its pros and cons in the classroom.

Overview of Discord

Discord is a free online chatroom platform that enables users to create and join servers or groups of individuals who can communicate with each other via text, audio, and video. It is available on web browsers as well as iOS and Android devices. Features such as textual formatting, custom emoji, and private servers are also available. Discord enables students to communicate easily with each other in a secure environment without the need for physical interaction.

In addition to the features mentioned above, Discord has several other features that make it an excellent tool for classrooms. For example, teachers and administrators can create custom roles to assign permissions to specific users, use moderation tools to delete content, manage conversations, and create private channels for individual classes. It makes it easy for teachers to control the content being shared in the classroom.

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Pros of Using Discord in the Classroom

One of the main advantages is that it provides a secure environment for students to interact with each other. The teacher or administrator moderates and controls the chats, meaning inappropriate language or content can be removed quickly. Shy students can also benefit as they can participate in class discussions without having to raise their hands or speak out loud.

Second, Discord allows for private conversations and the creation of custom roles, making it easy for teachers to control the flow of conversations. They can assign specific permissions or roles to particular users and manage the conversations accordingly. This helps to ensure that the conversations stay on-topic and are not distracted by tangential discussions.

Finally, Discord allows for asynchronous communication, meaning that students can participate in conversations at their own pace. They can grab a seat in a voice channel, allowing friends on their server to see they’re around and immediately pop in to talk without calling. This allows students to join conversations when they are ready and allows for more efficient collaboration.

Cons of Using Discord in the Classroom

Although Discord offers numerous advantages for classrooms, there are some downsides. First, Discord allows users to easily switch between servers, which can lead to distraction or students straying off-topic. This can make it difficult for teachers to keep conversations on track and students focused.

Secondly, Discord’s moderation tools are not as advanced as other platforms. Thus, making it difficult for teachers to monitor and regulate chats. For example, there is no way to track who has read a message, making it difficult for teachers to ensure that students participate in conversations.

Thirdly, the platform is not designed for educational purposes, and there is no built-in e-learning system. Teachers must create content and resources to use on the platform. Also, some teachers may find it challenging to keep up with the constantly changing features and requirements of Discord.

Finally, Discord is not free from cyberbullying and trolls. As with any other platform, there is always the potential for negative comments or behavior, so teachers must ensure they are vigilant in monitoring and moderating conversations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Discord can be a great tool for classrooms, providing a secure environment for students to collaborate and communicate. At The Tenney School, we believe that Discord can be an excellent tool for classrooms, but only when used responsibly.

Therefore, we encourage teachers and administrators to consider the pros and cons of using Discord in their classrooms before deciding. You cancontact usfor more information about using Discord in the classroom.