Creating a Digital Learning Journal

Step 1: Access Google Slides

1. Open your web browser and go to the Google homepage (www.google.com).
2. Click on the “Apps” icon (represented by nine small squares) in the upper-right corner, and then select “Slides” from the list of Google apps.

Step 2: Start a New Presentation

1. Once in Google Slides, click on the “+ Blank” option to create a new presentation.
2. You’ll be presented with a blank slide. This slide will serve as your journal entry page.

Step 3: Design Your Journal Entry Page

1. Customize the Background:

   • Click on the “Slide” menu at the top, and then select “Change background.”
   • Choose a background color or image that fits the style you want for your journal. You can use solid colors, gradients, or upload your own images.

2. Add Journaling Elements:

   • Click on the “Insert” menu at the top and select “Text box” to add a text box to the slide.
   • Type in the date or title of your journal entry.
   • Adjust the font, size, and color of the text using the formatting options that appear at the top.

3. Insert Media:

   • To include images or videos, click on the “Insert” menu again and select “Image” or “Video.”
   • Choose an image from your computer or Google Drive and place it on the slide.
   • Resize and position the image as desired.

Step 4: Duplicate Slides for Future Entries

1. After creating your first journal entry slide, you can duplicate it to create additional entry pages.
2. Right-click on the slide thumbnail on the left-hand side and select “Duplicate slide.”

Step 5: Organize Your Journal

1. As you create more journal entry slides, you can arrange them in the order you want by dragging and dropping the slide thumbnails in the sidebar.

Step 6: Save and Access Your Journal

1. Your digital journal will be saved automatically to your Google Drive as you work on it.
2. To access your journal in the future, go to Google Drive (drive.google.com), navigate to the “Slides” folder, and open your journal presentation.

Step 7: Optional Enhancements

1. Customize Each Entry:

   • Tailor each slide to your liking by changing background colors, fonts, and other design elements.

2. Add Sections:

   • Create a table of contents slide with hyperlinks to different sections or months of your journal for easy navigation.

3. Collaborative Journaling:

   • If you’d like, you can share your journal with friends or family members and allow them to contribute their own entries.

Step 8: Stay Consistent and Creative

1. Regularly add new entries to your digital journal to keep your memories and thoughts organized.
2. Experiment with different layouts, styles, and features to make your digital journal unique and engaging.

Step 9: Keep Your Journal Secure

1. Consider adjusting sharing settings in Google Drive to ensure your journal remains private, especially if you decide to share it with others.