5 Benefits of Digital Planbooks

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 By Samantha Wilkinson, Instructional Technology Teacher Specialist


5 Benefits of Digital Planbooks


A new school year means new school supplies, and among the most important items for teachers is a solid planbook. If I could get a nickel for every time I bought a new planbook… I’d have several dollars.  I’ve tried them all- school issued spiral bound books, binders divided by subject, designer books like Happy Planner and Erin Condren, and one failed attempt at making my own using a composition notebook and ruler. 


While I always enjoy the feeling of starting a new year with a fresh planner, and all the hope that comes with it for an organized year, I just never found one that I loved or stuck with. Until now that is. Enter virtual planbooks. Digital tools and cloud-based platforms make virtual planners a no brainer for the modern teacher. 


Let’s explore the Top 5 Benefits of Going Digital:




Efficiency: My number one reason to go virtual for planning is that it just makes sense to optimize workflow. With  AACPS’s online curriculum, use of Brightspace, and a plethora of digital resources that we use with students, it just makes sense.  Digital planbooks allow you to link those lessons, materials of instruction, and be able to quickly reference the curriculum. You can add standards, video links, and slide decks right to your daily plan. You can easily copy and paste information, as plans shift. 


Accessibility: With a virtual planbook, you can access it anywhere, any time. At your child’s sports practice? Whip out your phone and access your planner. Have a great idea for a math lesson that strikes you at the grocery store? Just open your app or web browser! Lounging on the couch, and you want to make a note for tomorrow’s math lesson? Just grab your iPad. This also means that you don’t have to lug the hardcopy book with you everywhere. By using a virtual planbook you can also utilize features such as adding images, voice typing, screen readers, and magnifiers to enhance productivity.


Customization: I’ve never found a paper planbook that meets all of my needs. The boxes are too small for some parts of my day, for others it is not enough. And each day looks slightly different, which I didn’t feel like my planner understood. Ultimately, this impacted functionality and I’d give up on the planbook altogether. With digital planners, you can create the columns and rows that meet your needs. Each day or week can look different. Expandable text boxes means you aren’t limited to what you write. You can use color coding systems, and can have multiple formats. The only limit is your imagination when designing your planbook space.


Collaboration: Digital planbooks can be shared with anyone! Special educators can see your plans and attach modified assignments, see what is upcoming, and even add their own plans for small group instruction on the same document. You can share with teammates and administrators with a few clicks as well. This eco-friendly method allows group collaboration and editing without physically coming together.


Flexibility: Using digital planbooks allows for flexibility that we desperately need in the classroom. We’ve all made long range plans for a unit with great intentions, and then by the second week, tweaks would need to be made. In a digital planner, those changes are as easy as sliding over a text box. Having plans virtually allows you to edit and bump easily. And by having a templated daily or weekly plans, you can move things around effortlessly. Online planbooks are also searchable, allowing you to find past lessons or resources in a few clicks. 


Another final  thing to note: many digital planners are FREE! So whether you decide to go with one of the Google templates, or with one of the teacher recommended planbook websites below, just give it a try because there is minimal risk, and lots to gain. Happy planning!



Google Templates/ Resources:


Digital Planners Online:

  • Planboard Their free version is robust with lots of useful features, including the ability to attach standards, manage files, and adjust your schedule with ease as things change. 

  • PlanbookEDU For a truly basic lesson planning program, PlanbookEdu’s free program is for you. 

  • Common Curriculum Common Curriculum’s free basic plan was designed by actual former teachers. Cc helps teachers focus on meeting standards, whether it’s Common Core, state standards, or others.





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