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An Exploration of Course and Cohort Communication Spaces in Discord, Teams, and Moodle

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  • Author(s): Heinrich, Eva (ORCID Heinrich, Eva (ORCID 0000-0003-4210-5444); Thomas, Heather (ORCID Thomas, Heather (ORCID 0000-0002-1918-7608); Kahu, Ella R. (ORCID Kahu, Ella R. (ORCID 0000-0002-6958-7730)
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Australasian Journal of Educational Technology. 2022 38(6):107-120.
  • Publication Date:
    2022
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education. Ascilite Secretariat, P.O. Box 44, Figtree, NSW, Australia. Tel: +61-8-9367-1133; e-mail: info@ascilite.org.au; Web site: https://ajet.org.au/index.php/AJET
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      14
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Classroom Communication; Computer Mediated Communication; Learning Management Systems; Technology Uses in Education; College Students; Blended Learning; Distance Education; Undergraduate Students; Foreign Countries; Telecommunications; Sense of Community; Peer Relationship; Teacher Student Relationship; Student Attitudes
    • Subject Terms:
      New Zealand
    • Accession Number:
      10.14742/ajet.7633
    • ISSN:
      1449-3098
      1449-5554
    • Abstract:
      This research examined the impact of supplementing a learning management system, Moodle, with communication tools, Discord and Teams, to support communication in blended and distance undergraduate courses in computer science, information technology, mathematics and statistics at a New Zealand university with well-established use of Moodle. Nineteen students participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings show that adding Discord or Teams increases information and knowledge exchange and helps students to connect with peers and teachers in their courses. Teams was beneficial particularly in settings with formal group work. Discord, which enables both students and staff to set up additional communication channels that are not restricted to course enrolments, was instrumental in connecting students across year levels with peers and alumni. This enabled discussions on course selection, career options and disciplinary topics beyond the course curriculum. Importantly, these beyond-course communication spaces nurtured belonging to wider discipline and study communities. The research establishes the importance of the increased levels of communication by highlighting the effects on student learning and connections to others. Looking beyond the specific tools, the level of formality and the degree of student coownership are identified as key factors in supporting the within- and beyond-course communication spaces.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2023
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1369695