207 – Chromebooks

This week on the WELSTech Podcast cloud-based classroom computing with Chromebooks is the discussion topic as Martin takes a field trip to Grace in Oshkosh to observe Chromebooks in action.

The discussion:

To the cloud – With much anticipation, Martin and Sallie welcome our new semi-regular classroom technology correspondent, Jason Schmidt, who will be joining WELSTech on an alternating basis for our end-of-month classroom technology focused podcasts.  Gail Potratz will be back next month!  Jason adds his insight to today’s cloud-based computing discussion of Google Chromebooks and 1-to-1 teaching initiatives.

The interview:

(21:39) Chromebooks live – Principal Peter Iles from Grace in Oshkosh, WI talks with Martin about their recent implementation of Chromebooks in his 7th and 8th grade classroom.  Martin also blogged about his visit to Peter’s classroom.

Something extra from Jason:

(43:21) iPads in Preschool

Picks of the week:

Ministry resources:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:09:20) Episode 208 – Using technology to assist with ministry to shut-ins is the discussion topic on next week’s podcast.  We’ll also talk with folks from Nebraska Lutheran High School about their use of SmoothWall, a new ShopWELS product. (Release date – 11/02/11)

The featured artist:

(1:10:29) This week we close with the music of Crosswalk Lutheran Ministries – Dive Into God’s Word from their CD titled ”Crosswalk Lutheran Ministries”

Get involved:

206 – VoIP For Beginners

This week the WELSTech Podcast is all about Internet-based telephone solutions, and we a look at the offerings from one of ShopWELS newest partners, Digium.

The discussion:

Internet phones – Using Voice over Internet Protocol (or VoIP) to make long distance calls at an affordable or sometimes free rate is the topic of the day.  Martin and Sallie attempt to sort out the various options and share pros and cons of each solution.

The interview:

(20:05) The next level – Mark Robinson from DVI Consulting and principal contact for the ShopWELS program talks with Martin and Sallie about the cost and productivity benefits of IP telephony systems.  Get a glimpse of the future as Mark describes WELS partner Digium and their reliable and effective means of supporting phone system needs for small to medium churches and schools.

Ministry resources:

(39:24) The Christ in Media Institute – Promoting production and distribution of Christian media

News in tech:

(40:05) Google Docs Updates Presentations With Real-Time Collaboration, New Themes, Transitions and More

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(58:54) Episode 207 – Tune in to learn the identity of our brand new semi-regular classroom technology correspondent as Martin and Sallie share the mic and talk all things Chromebook! (Release date – 10/26/11)

The featured artist:

(1:00:20) We close the podcast with the music of The Branches Band (www.branchesband.com|Facebook) – I Rejoiced from their “Sing, My Tongue” CD

Get involved:

205 – Use Tech To God’s Glory

This week on the WELSTech Podcast the discussion topic is our need for “connection”, and we examine the root of our motivation to use technology.

The discussion:

Connection – Martin and Sallie discuss the latest WELSTech book selection, Chapter 1 of The Church of Facebook. The author, Jesse Rice, lays the foundation for the phenomenon of Facebook, pointing out the most basic of human needs … the need for “home”.

News in tech:

(9:47) Death of Apple’s Steve Jobs

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(33:52) Episode 206 – Martin and Sallie explore all the variations of VoIP or Voice over IP (Internet) including Skype, Magic Jack and Google Voice. (Release date – 10/19/11)

The featured artist:

(37:22) We close the podcast with the music of Dawn Michelle Williams (www.dawnmichellewilliams.com | Twitter | Facebook | My Space) – Where I Belong from her CD titled ”Dawn Michelle Williams”

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204 – Search Me

This week the WELSTech Podcast is all about searching the web as GoodSearch.com co-founder JJ Ramberg joins the discussion.

The discussion:

Finding a world of information – Searching the information super highway is a must-have skill for everyone these days and certainly a skill that comes in handy in the ministry setting.  Martin and Sallie share search tips from the biggies – Bing and Google – as well as other tools that prove useful when doing internet research.

The interview:

(19:17) Search for pennies – JJ Ramberg, co-founder of GoodSearch.com and GoodShop.com, joins Martin and Sallie to talk about how the search tool has earned WELS over $8,000, one penny at a time.

News in tech:

(35:34) Amazon Launches $200 Tablet, Slashes Kindle Prices from Wired

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(58:36) Episode 205 – Martin and Sallie discuss the latest WELSTech book selection, Chapter 1 of The Church of Facebook. (Release date – 10/12/11)

The featured artist:

(59:28) We close the podcast with the music of Revelation, a music ministry of Wisconsin Lutheran College (www.revelationwlc.com) – Shine On Us from the CD titled “Led By The Light”

Get involved: