Name: Discord

Website: Discord - Group Chat That’s All Fun & Games

Purpose:
Discord is a communication platform where users can join or create groups (called servers) to chat by text, voice, or video. It was originally made for gamers but is now used for both casual and professional collaboration.

Features:

• Text, voice, and video chat

• Private and public servers (communities)

• Channels for organized discussions (topics, announcements, resources)

• File and screen sharing

• Integration with other tools (Google Drive, YouTube, Trello, etc.)

• Bots and automation features for moderation, polls, reminders, etc.

• Mobile and desktop apps

Restrictions:

• Users must be at least 13 years old

• May require a learning curve for those unfamiliar with the interface (I found it hard to navigate at first)

• Some features (like higher-quality streaming) are limited to paid subscriptions (Discord Nitro)

What can it do for us? (as nurse educators):

• Create a virtual community for students, new nurses, or preceptors to collaborate, ask questions, and share resources

• Host discussions, study groups, or Q&A sessions asynchronously or in real-time

• Use channels to organize content by topic (e.g., trauma-informed care, patient education, health literacy)

• Provide a less formal, more engaging space for learners to connect outside of traditional learning platforms

How much does it cost?

• Free: Most features are available at no cost

• Discord Nitro (optional): $9.99/month or $99.99/year — adds perks like higher file upload limits, HD video, and server boosts