Miro, Miro: Student perceptions of a visual discussion board

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic forced those in education and industry to rethink how collaboration can take place remotely. This experience report describes the way the author reimagined the typical online discussion using a visual discussion board, Miro, in an asynchronous online graduate course, Media Aesthetics, in Fall of 2020. This paper includes student perceptions of benefits and limitations from the use of this platform along with lessons learned and notes for improving the use of this and other digital tools in future courses. Overall, most students reported enjoying the change of pace from the standard learning management system's discussion board and enjoyed the ability to share images, videos, and links within the platform. Students also indicated that they found Miro to be easy to learn and conducive to collaboration and discussion. Perceived limitations included lack of structure, difficulty locating specific posts at times, and a feeling of isolation from peers due to the asynchronous course structure.