A scanner collage is made by placing thematic items (photographs, memoralbilia, etc.) on a computer scanner and scanning to create an image. Once the image is scanned it will become the background for a quote, poem or short passage. This is a great tool to use in the classroom for a variety of subject areas. Here are just a few suggestions to spur the imagination.

How to Create a Scanner Collage

Scanning Items

1. Decide on the subject area/theme that students will use. Brainstorm items that might fit that specific theme for ideas.
2. Instruct students on what items to be gathered that will scanable.. They should not gather items that are very thick.
3. Place transparency film or laminating film on the bed of the scanner to prevent scratches.
4. Place small items that will be in the foreground first.
5. Place photos or insert digital snapshots later.
6. After all items are on the scanner, cover the scanner with a backgound cloth.
7. Crinkle areas to provide texture.
8. Close the lid and scan.
9. Remove cloth when finished to prevent overheating.
10. Save the scanned image in an appopriate folder.
    

Importing Image into Appropriate Software to Add Text Box
(Microsoft Word and PowerPoint)

1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Go to File on the menu bar and select page setup. Select landscape for page orientation.
3. Go to Insert on the menu bar and select Picture from the drop down menu.
4. Select As a file and browse to find the saved scanned image.
5. Once the image is inserted in word, right click on the image and select Format Picture.
6. Choose the layout tab and select the behind text option.
7. Resize the image to leave only a small white border.
8. To insert text, use the text box tool on the drawing toolbar.
9. Format the text to fit the backgound theme.
10. Save and print when completed.
    

Kathy Adkins
Instructional Technology Specialist
February, 2003