Scrapbooking is a fun and creative way to document and store memories. When creating a scrapbook, we often think about adding pictures, stickers, artwork, and more in the form of a tangible book. Scrapbooks are also an effective learning tool for students to record facts about a given topic, share information about themselves, and show their thinking in a unique way. With scrapbooking being so beneficial, why not provide our students with even more opportunities to make their own? So, how can we turn scrapbooking into a digital adventure?

What is Digital Scrapbooking?  

Digital scrapbooking is the creation of 2D artwork by combining various graphic elements. It is a form of scrapbooking that can be done using a computer or device. One of the major benefits of digital scrapbooking is that it is tidy and allows us to reuse materials. With a tangible scrapbook, there are many pieces and materials to keep track of that could easily be misplaced or ruined. Another benefit of going digital is that you can incorporate reusable and unconventional materials that wouldn’t normally be used with a tangible scrapbook.. Digital scrapbooking also allows for easy collaboration and sharing with others. With digital scrapbooking, creators can add decorative elements, use pictures/images, utilize templates, add text, and so much more! Let’s dive into the steps for creating digital scrapbooks with your students.

Step 1: Select a topic for your scrapbook and conduct research.

As we mentioned earlier, scrapbooks can be made to share memories, but are also a powerful tool for presenting information and can be used across grade levels and subject areas. With that in mind, consider what you want your students to create a scrapbook about. For example, a “get to know you” book ,or a scrapbook about a historical event. Either way, students will need to conduct some research and compile information that they will want to include in their books. It is best to choose a specific topic for the scrapbooks so that students can really refine their research and create the best possible finished product.

Step 2: Compile scrapbook elements

It’s time for students to get creative! Creating digital scrapbook pages is an excellent way to get students thinking outside the box and show what they know in a unique way. Students can gather pictures, videos, sounds, text, and other resources in advance. Once they have all of the tools that they need, it will be a lot easier to put together the scrapbook pages. Students can place their tools in a folder so that they can easily insert these materials into their scrapbooks. This is also a good way for students to make sure that everything that they are using in their scrapbook is necessary, since they will have a chance to look through it in an organized way. Having these materials stored in a designated space makes for easier future use!

Step 3: Choose a platform that you would like to use to make your scrapbook.

Now it is time to determine which platform(s) will be used to make the scrapbooks come to life. There are so many amazing websites and creation tools out there, so how do we choose the right one? Some platforms that are highly effective for this process are: Google Slides, Canva, SMART Notebook, Powerpoint, PicCollage App, You Doodle App, and Project Life App. Be sure to consider whether or not the platform is age-appropriate for your students, as well as their comfort level with using digital tools. For some user-friendly options, Google Slides and Canva are great beginner options that are easy to use and also produce excellent results. Another resource worth trying is SlidesMania, which has some pre-created templates that students can use to make their scrapbooks even more engaging. Many of these tools come with different icons and space to input text and images in a creative way. Here are some examples of a digital scrapbook to honor Women’s History Month!

Canva Example:

Google Slides Example:

Step 4: Start creating your scrapbook and piecing together all of your tools.

This step is where students can use the resources that they saved and put them onto the pages of their digital scrapbooks. It is often as simple as copying and pasting, or uploading the pictures that were saved and then adding in text and additional scrapbook components. As you can see from the above examples, you can add your own clipart, icons, and “stickers” to give the digital presentation that scrapbook feel. This is also a good place to collaborate with peers/teachers to make any necessary changes and improvements to the scrapbook. Emphasize to students that this step of the scrapbook creation process is what will most likely take the longest and can go through multiple stages to make sure that all of the pages look the way that they want. Remember that by going digital, items on the scrapbook pages can easily be moved around or changed without having to worry about throwing away any scrapbook supplies and materials.

Step 5: Share your scrapbooks to teach others about your topic.

This final stage is where students get to show off their scrapbooks to friends and family. One of the best parts of digital scrapbooking is how easily they can be shared. Encourage students to send out shareable links or even to download their scrapbook pages as a PDF.  Once they do this, they are ready to teach others about the given topic. Have a scrapbooking party where everyone can read through and display all components of the scrapbook. You may even decide to extend this activity by combining all students’ work into one class scrapbook. Try creating your own digital scrapbooks with your students and watch as engagement rises and creativity soars!

Be sure to check out our accompanying OTIS course, Creating Digital Scrapbooks to Honor Women’s History to see these tools in action! For more tips, tricks, and tools for teaching in and out of the classroom, check out more articles on the Teq Talk blog and our library of over 800 courses. We also offer virtual professional development, training, and remote learning support for educators with OTIS for educators. Explore the technology, tools, and strategies that can spark student success — no matter where teaching or learning are happening.

For more tips, tricks, and tools for teaching in and out of the classroom, check out more articles on the Teq Talk blog.

We also offer virtual professional development, training, and remote learning support for educators with OTIS for educators. Explore the technology, tools, and strategies that can spark student success — no matter where teaching or learning are happening.