The Role of Discord for QS Students in Online Education

Lai, Min Yuet (2023) The Role of Discord for QS Students in Online Education. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

The worldwide global epidemic continues to have a huge influence on the world due to the recent unpredicted COVID-19 pandemic. Even the education industry was severely disrupted and impacted. All universities and schools have been forced to change their learning methods from face-to-face to e-learning. Hence, it is necessary to make use of technological aids such as the internet, web, and platforms or applications. In this study, we found that as an application originally created for communication in online games, Discord could catch the eye of the students naturally. On top of that, the function of Discord especially the integrated of text chat, voice call and screen sharing is able to fulfil most of the requirement of students during online learning. The aims of this research are to identify the factors influencing students to use Discord as a learning medium, explore challenges involved in the Discord application, and to determine the appropriate framework to encourage the use of discord applications among QS students. The literature review based on the objectives set for this thesis had been collected from the various journal articles, books, newspaper articles and more. This research study is using the quantitative method which involves the distribution of the questionnaire. The scope of this study will focus on the students who are taking the Quantity Surveying course from year 1 to year 4 at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College. For the questionnaire, there were total of 87 responses collected from the students who study in Quantity Surveying courses regardless the year of studies. The data collected will be analyzed by using frequency statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha analysis, and Descriptive analysis. In this research, we found that the most significant factor affecting students' use of Discord as a learning medium is the integration of text chat, voice chat, and video calling services. Gamification is the second agreed element. Then, it is followed by ‘Popularity’, ‘Friend and Community’, ‘Movement Control Order’, and ‘Low data consumption’. The most significant challenge faced by students when using Discord is the ‘limitation of file upload size’. ‘Security and privacy issue’ is the second agreed challenge. Then, it is followed by ‘Discord app keeps disconnecting’, ‘audio cut off randomly’, and ‘Harassment issue’. The most appropriate framework for encouraging the use of Discord applications is the ‘social media’. Then, followed by ‘peer influence’, and ‘Celebrity Effect’.