Reimagining University Learning with Discord

 

After this week’s class, where we were provided with a list of digital tools, I decided to explore Discord. Each cohort of students I have taught over the last five years or so has had a class Discord page (i.e., a student-hosted Discord, not a faculty-supported one), and I am unfamiliar with the tool. So I took this as my opportunity to learn about it.

Discord is a free communication platform that enables users to interact in real-time via text, voice, and video. Originally popular among gamers, it has evolved into a versatile tool used by communities and students worldwide. Discord is organized into servers, which are either private or public spaces that can host multiple channels for various topics or activities. These channels can be text-based, such as chat rooms, or voice- and video-based, like virtual meeting rooms. Discord is customizable, has a low barrier to entry, and a community-first design. It supports bots, integrations, and moderation tools, making it ideal for both casual and structured interactions.

In contrast to traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Canvas, Discord offers:

  • real-time, persistent communication
  • flexible, user-friendly design
  • support for a wide range of multimedia and collaborative tools
  • a sense of community

These features make it a powerful platform for active learning, peer collaboration, and digital engagement.

The following pedagogical approaches could be utilized with Discord.

1. Flipped Classrooms

Professors can post lecture videos and readings in dedicated channels. Students engage with the material before class, then use live sessions for discussion and problem-solving, either in person or through Discord voice channels.

2. Collaborative Learning Spaces

Students can create private channels for group projects (e.g., working through cases) and sharing files (e.g., drug chart summaries). This helps develop teamwork skills.

3. Peer Mentoring and Tutoring

Teaching assistants and professors can host virtual office hours or moderate discussion threads.

By integrating Discord into university curricula, particularly in healthcare fields such as pharmacy, educators can create inclusive, interactive, and innovative learning environments that resonate with today’s digitally savvy students.

Illustration of university students in a modern digital classroom using Discord on laptops and tablets. A large screen displays a Discord server with text and voice channels. Students are engaged in collaborative learning, with pharmacy-related materials like drug charts, pill bottles, and case-based documents visible. The environment is inclusive, tech-forward, and academic, with vibrant colors and a clean, semi-realistic style.
(Microsoft Copilot, 2025)


References

Discord. (2022, May 12). What is Discord? A guide for parents and educators. Discord Safety Center. https://discord.com/safety/360044149331-What-is-Discord

Microsoft Copilot. (2025). Illustration of university students using Discord in Pharmacy Education [AI-generated image]. Microsoft Copilot.

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