The Exploration

What is it?

Initially built for gamers, Discord is a free communication tool used by over 550 million users to interact with others through text, voice channels, video calls, and file sharing.

Pros

• Real-time connection, instant messaging, video chat, screen sharing

• Organized discussions and allows file-sharing

• Potential for peer support and mentoring

• Community and Culture

• Interdevice compatibility 

• Cost-effective, free version available 

Cons

• Steep learning curve despite user-friendly interface 

• Distraction risk 

• Privacy and moderation concerns

• There is no formal structure for education (there are education communities)

• Blocked by organizations (i.e. schools)

(Miriam, 2023)

What is it?

An educational website founded by George Lucas Educational Foundation dedicated to sharing evidence- and practice-based learning strategies for K-12 education. Articles, videos, and resources are created by and for educators to inspire innovation, equity, and deeper learning. 

Pros

• Research-based and practice lessons

• Free and accessible (no login required)

• Wide range of topics

• Teacher-driven insights

• High-quality videos

• Promotes equity and innovation

Cons

• Not peer-reviewed

• Not region-specific (may not align with local curriculum)

• Idealistic ideas (strategies not practical for everyone)

• Depth can vary (articles are different in their guidance)

• Comments not moderated (comments are helpful but can be off topic)

• No shared collaboration (can't post your ideas)

• Cost - Google offers more competitive pricing

• Ease of Use - Microsoft has a steeper learning curve

• Collaboration - both offer tools for collaboration, file sharing, and communication 

What is it?

A collaborative whiteboard to enhance teamwork, providing a shared digital workspace. This platform enables teams to brainstorm, plan, and organize their ideas, thinking, workflow, and strategic plans.  

Pros

• Visual collaboration tools (sticky notes, text boxes, shapes, mind maps) 

• Templates for various tasks

• Integration capabilities (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace)

• Mural AI features to automate and summarization of ideas

• Facilitation Superpower (timers, voting, private mode)

• Security conscious

Cons

• Steep learning curve (understanding the interface and navigation)

• Cost for full features (premium features)

• Overwhelming for simple tasks 

• Gets messy without facilitation (multiple users cause chaos)

• Account management (user permission board organization, privacy management)

• No teacher-created resources (i.e., lesson plans, etc.)

The Affordances of Mural as a Collaborative Platform

• Sign up FREE forever

• Create a Workspace and invite team members, department

• Dashboard is easy to navigate

• Create a new mural - digital canvas (blank canvas or templates)

• Add ideas through tools, sticky notes, text, shapes, and connectors

• Include images, tables, files, content library, icons

• Compatible with Google and Microsoft

• Illustrations to make connections between ideas

• Features - Voting session, Timers, Recent updates, Laser pointer

• Private mode within the group to allow individuals to work independently before sharing

• Navigation Tools to zoom in