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 It was originally made for gamers but is now used for both casual and professional collaboration.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
This is the Discord home interface after logging in.
It shows the user dashboard with access to friends, direct messages, servers, and options like Nitro and Shop on the left-hand panel. The main screen displays the “Friends” tab, where users can add friends, see who’s online, and explore public servers like the University of Washington server. The layout is designed for quick navigation between conversations, server communities, and account settings.