PicCollage is a collage app. It allows you to bring in photos or videos from your album to create a collage. You can also take photos while making the collage. There are options to customize the background, add text and stickers, and multiple ways to share a collage.
There are two versions, including an EDU version that is perfect for kids and using in schools.
My students love using PicCollage. All of those customizable features I mentioned above make it an incredibly engaging app and tool. All grades enjoy using it. In particular, I have found that older elementary students love it the most. It fits with their social media interests.
I love using PicCollage both personally and professionally. It is a great way to share multiple photos in a nice layout for Instagram or in Seesaw. I also love that it does not require a login. This makes it super easy to use in school and with really young students.
Before I share some quick ways to use PicCollage, let’s talk about where to begin. Unlike how I introduce 3DBear, I break down the steps in using PicCollage.
I begin by showing students what the app icon looks like, how to start a new collage, and how to add images into the collage. They try this out with a simple task, like taking pictures of their favorite books or sections in the library or taking selfies.
Within one to two minutes of trying to add pictures, I then teach them how to customize their layout. I like to give them 30-60 seconds to play with this because of how personal it is. It can be hard to choose a layout. But, I also share my thinking process about choosing a layout.
They are now ready to learn how to change the background and add text and stickers. I like to give them a couple of minutes to do this. Again, it is a personal preference and they need time to explore this. My instructional purpose largely determines how in depth I go about this part of the design process.
Lastly, I model for them how to save their image. They typically use shared devices in the Library Media Center, so I show them how to save it to the photo library. They are then able to upload it to their Google Drive, Seesaw, or Classcraft.
Once students know how to use PicCollage, they are ready to use it in meaningful ways. They are ready to use it in ways that also meet your curriculum needs. The good news is that there are an infinite number of ways to support your curriculum while engaging the students with PicCollage.
There are an infinite number of ways to use PicCollage. I have used it as a Library Media Specialist and Classroom Teacher. Stay tuned to the end, because I’ll also share some ways of how I used it as a Classroom Teacher. These are great if you are introducing new apps to classroom teachers or pushing in edtech instruction.
Scavenger Hunt: Kids LOVE scavenger hunts! I frequently use Goosechase for Scavenger Hunts, but there are times that I also use PicCollage for them. When I teach PreK camera skills, I will have them go on a shape scavenger hunt to practice those camera skills. Second graders go on a copyright hunt to find items in our environment that are copyrighted.
Worksheets: I try not to print out much. When I have worksheets, I try to save them as an image. Same is true, when I make my own. Once they are saved as an image, they can be added to the photo album, and students can import it into PicCollage. Even better is that they can set it as the background so they can go ahead and edit it. I really love this option when it comes to drawing on a worksheet!
Reading Lists: As part of library orientation, we get re-acquainted with the sections and how to find books. While exploring the library, students take snapshots of books they are interested in reading as they create a collage. What’s great about this, is that once it is saved students can pull it up later. They can check off books they have read, and recall books they would like to read. This can make for a smoother book circulation.
Along those lines…students can also create a ‘What I’m Reading’ Collage similar to the one that I create and post for the library media center!
Digital Tattoos: This is a fun activity to teach students about digital identities. It can be done two ways. What their current digital identity looks like or what they want it to look like. After taking a selfie, they use the font and stickers to show what makes up their digital identity. Things like what they frequently post about, the people they follow, the hashtags they use, or even the tone of their posts.
Design Skills: It can be helpful to talk about choosing background and font colors. For example, explaining why you may choose a background color that will pick up a pinch of color in the photo. If there is a smidge of red, I may use a red background. On the contrary, when choosing fonts and font colors, I want to make sure that it is legible and complimentary to the main colors present in the photo. For example, if there is a lot of purple present, I will want to use a yellow or orange font to compliment that.
When I decide to use an app, there are a few things that I consider. I always wonder if it will be engaging for my students. Typically if I love it, they do as well. I determine if it is applicable for many purposes and can be used outside of the media center. Lastly, I try to figure out how long it will take me to teach students to use. If the answer is less than a class period, I’m in.
Quite frankly, PicCollage meets all of that criteria. It doesn’t take long to learn and can be quickly taught to students. The process I outlined above takes less than 10 minutes!
Like I said…I have used PicCollage as a classroom teacher. Here are ways that classroom teachers can use PicCollage!
Grab more quick ideas with the complete guide below!
