Level of Social Presence, Social Interaction, Collaborative Learning, and Satisfaction in a BAMS Course Discord Server

Abstract

The integration of Discord as a communication and collaboration platform in online learning has gained attention due to its interactive features that support real-time engagement. This study examines students’ perceptions of social presence, social interaction, collaborative learning, and overall satisfaction in a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) course Discord server. Using survey data, activity logs, open-ended responses, and the Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) data for the BAMS course, the study evaluates how Discord fosters a sense of community, facilitates peer interaction, and enhances the learning experience.Findings indicate a high level of social presence, with 84% of students agreeing that Discord helped them feel connected with peers and faculty-in-charge (FIC). Real-time chat, voice discussions, and multimedia sharing contributed to a stronger sense of community compared to traditional Learning Management Systems (LMSs). In terms of social interaction, 71% of students reported frequent engagement with classmates, with text chat (95%), voice discussions (60%), and direct messaging (50%) being the most utilized features. Additionally, collaborative learning was supported, with 65% of students acknowledging that Discord facilitated knowledge sharing, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students appreciated its structured organization, which helped them locate discussions and announcements efficiently.

Overall, 64% of students expressed satisfaction with Discord as a learning platform, citing benefits, such as enhanced faculty communication (86%), improved peer interaction (69%), and a relaxed yet productive learning environment (62%). However, challenges included unfamiliarity with the platform, underutilization of certain channels, and reliance on peer engagement for meaningful discussions.The study concludes that Discord serves as an effective supplementary learning tool, enhancing online learning experiences through real-time interaction and collaboration. Recommendations include onboarding tutorials, structured engagement activities, and periodic check-ins to improve student participation further and maximize the platform’s potential.