Discord

 

Keep the conversation going with Discord

What is Discord?

This is a free application for major platforms (smartphones, iPhones, mac and windows) where you can voice / video or text chat with others. You can create servers to connect with multiple people where you can break into smaller groups for text and voice, you also have the option of sharing files directly to them or by uploading them to a server. There is also an option to share screens and add bots to servers (which can serve for a variety of purposes, like translator, dictionary, music, etc.) 

How do I get it?

You can either download the app or use the website (can join as guest) to login and be able to use discord. We recommend you make an account to have access to all the free features. You will be able to include your students through invites and even add them as friends.

A teacher can benefit from Discord

You can use this for a general class where you can share your screen, turn on your cameras, add bots, and upload files directly to the server with the added ability of breaking into smaller groups so they can get a more “private” practice with each other. You can create smaller groups where the students can work as pairs, trios or any size team where they can freely talk to one another without interrupting or hearing other teams, and the teacher can join at any time to hear and supervise their work. 

Pros:

•  It is free 
• It is multiplatform
• Many students already use 
• Pretty intuitive 
• Has lots of features 
• You can add bots to automate the help the students get, dictionary or translator

Cons: 

• Not designed for class giving so it does not have a lot of academic or school oriented featured integrated to it 
• You need an account to make use of all the free features

Link https://discord.com/