206 – VoIP For Beginners

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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

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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”

Get involved:

204 – Search Me

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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:

203 – Gail’s Summer Vacation

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This week is WELSTech classroom week as we welcome back Gail Potratz and talk to teacher Kurt Gosdeck about his new school year in a 1-to-1 environment.

The discussion:

What did you learn – Our WELSTech semi-regular classroom technology correspondent, Gail Potratz from Emanuel in New London, WI, is back to talk with Martin and Sallie about her busy summer of learning.

The interview:

Kurt Gosdeck

(16:35) In the hands of digital natives – Kurt Gosdeck, Director of Technology and 3rd and 4th grade teacher at St. Lucas in Kewaskum, WI, joins Martin and Sallie to talk about his new school year in a 1:1 student netbook environment.  Hear how the program was started including the funding of the netbooks, their plans for rolling it out to all students in 3rd to 8th grade, and details of the experience thus far into the school year.

1:1 Kids – Click to view larger

Ministry resources:

(39:47) Christian Computing Magazine

News in tech:

(41:28) Facebook changes

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(56:22) Episode 204 – J.J. Ramberg, co-founder of GoodSearch.com, joins Martin and Sallie as we talk about all things search. (Release date – 10/05/11)

The featured artist:

(57:43) We close the podcast with the music of L. A. Miller – Flyin’ Free from the CD titled “Night and Day”

Get involved:

202 – Sign Me Up

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This week the WELSTech Podcast discussion topic is centered around calendar utilities.

The discussion:

Calendar solutions – The heartbeat of the church and school office is the event calendar. Listen as Martin and Sallie share utilities to make working with your calendar and scheduling appointments, events, volunteers and resources a breeze.

News in tech:

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(40:59) Episode 203 – It’s our first tech-in-education podcast in the new school year! We welcome back Gail Potratz to the conversation as well as chat with teacher Kurt Gosdeck regarding the 1-to-1 computer implementation in his classroom. (Release date – 09/28/11)

The featured artist:

(42:01) We close the podcast with the music of Cross to Glory – I Have Ev’ry Reason from their CD titled “Life’s Song”

Get involved:

201 – Take Two

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This week the next WELSTech Podcast book discussion kicks off and we hear about new digital products from Northwestern Publishing.

The discussion:

Grab your reading glasses – Martin and Sallie kick off the latest WELSTech book selection, The Church of Facebook by Jesse Rice.  The book, subtitled “How the Hyperconnected Are Redefining Community”, looks at the effect social media has had on our lives and on the connections we make.  Listen to a discussion of the book introduction, including a look at the strange occurrence at the opening of the Millennium Bridge in London, and grab a copy to read along with us.

The interview:

(12:22) NPH goes digital – Kurt Adams and Mark Buske from Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) join Martin and Sallie to talk about the recent addition of a variety of digital items to their product line.

Ministry resources:

News in tech:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

  • (39:50) Check out the latest issue of the ShopWELS Insider for information on great deals available to congregations, schools and individuals from a variety of vendors including Apple, Verizon and InfoCor.  Subscribe to receive the newsletter via e-mail each quarter. Sign up at ShopWELS.net to take advantage of the special pricing.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(50:48) Episode 202 – Key to church office success is managing the ever-changing calendar of events. Tune in as Martin and Sallie share tips on effective calendaring. (Release date – 09/21/11)

The featured artist:

(51:50) We close the podcast with the instrumental music of In His Service (www.adagioconcepts.com) – Send Me from their CD titled “In His Time”

Get involved:

200 – Celebrating 200 … With Our Listeners

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The WELSTech Podcast 200th anniversary celebration features the voices of our listeners as they share their own WELSTech goodness.

The discussion:

Treats for the new century – Martin and Sallie reveal the redesigned WELSTech website and new podcast theme music.

Listener voicemails:

(7:30) Special messages from WELSTech listeners – Listen with Martin and Sallie to well wishes from listeners old and new, from the church office to a 3rd and 4th grade classroom, from past interviewees to some folks we’ve met face-to-face along the way, and from Alaska to Massachusetts to Mexico!

Winner announcement:

(37:24) The moment we’ve all been waiting for – The winner of the custom WELSTech Flip Mino HD video camera is announced.  Is it you??

Favorite WELSTech moments:

(38:22) Outstanding – After recording 200 episodes, hear about the podcast moments that stand out for Martin and Sallie.

Picks of the week:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(46:46) Episode 201 –  Back in the swing of things, we kick off our latest book for discussion, The Church of Facebook by Jesse Rice.  Also Kurt & Mark from Northwestern Publishing House join us to share the details on their latest digital products.  (Release date – September 14, 2011)

The featured artist:

(48:38) We close the podcast with a new WELSTech featured artist, instrumentalist Joey Schumann (JoeySchumann.com | Joey on Facebook) – Americana Medley from his CD with the same title

Get involved:

199 – WELS Hacker: Scratch & Polish

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This week the WELSTech Podcast focuses on introducing students to computer programming and refining your Internet browsing experience.

The discussion:

WELS Hacker wrap up – The last installments of Martin and Sallie’s summer WELS Hacker blogging series cover computer programming for kids and Google Chrome customizations.

Of interest:

  • (14:27) WELSTech turns 200 – On September 7th WELSTech will broadcast our 200th weekly episode, and we need your help to celebrate! Lend your voice to the podcast by recording a voice mail about … your own tech in ministry experience, your favorite podcast episode or just general well-wishes for our 200th anniversary celebration … and you could win a custom WELSTech 4 GB Flip Mino HD video camera – approximate value $100! Be sure to include your name and location in your recording so we can contact you if you are the winner. Deadline for entry is Labor Day, September 5, 2011. Call and leave a message today to enter at 405-FOR-WELS (405-367-9357).
  • Job Opening – There is an opening in the WELS Technology Office for a Technical Support Specialist. Check out the job description and contact WELSTech for more details.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(28:53) Episode 200 – We celebrate this important milestone episode with new music, a new site design and lots of WELSTech voices! Don’t miss it!! (Release date – September 7, 2011)

The featured artist:

(29:57) We close the podcast with the music of Corban Creek – Serve Him from their CD titled “Could It Be Me”

Get involved:

198 – WELS Hacker: Pogo Cal

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This week on the WELSTech Podcast the summer WELS Hacker series continues with a discussion of PogoPlug and Print My Cal.

The discussion:

End of summer – The WELS Hacker series is winding down, but the Martin and Sallie haven’t exhausted all of their tips and tricks arsenal yet. This week they talk about PogoPlug file sharing tips and a Google Calendar print utility.

Of interest:

  • (13:18) WELSTech turns 200 – On September 7th WELSTech will broadcast our 200th weekly episode, and we need your help to celebrate! Lend your voice to the podcast by recording a voice mail about … your own tech in ministry experience, your favorite podcast episode or just general well-wishes for our 200th anniversary celebration … and you could win a custom WELSTech 4 GB Flip Mino HD video camera – approximate value $100! Be sure to include your name and location in your recording so we can contact you if you are the winner. Deadline for entry is Labor Day, September 5, 2011. Call and leave a message today to enter at 405-FOR-WELS (405-367-9357).
  • Job Opening – There is an opening in the WELS Technology Office for a Technical Support Specialist. Contact WELSTech for more details.

Community feedback:

The featured artist:

(24:11) We close the podcast with the music of Michael Schroeder (www.michaelschroeder.com and on Facebook) – Fall from his CD titled “The Way”

Get involved:

197 – WELS Hacker: Be a SMART Listener

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This week the WELSTech Podcast includes discussion of SMART Boards and audio Bibles as well as details on the 200th episode video camera giveaway.

The discussion:

Corn Days hacks – Martin and Sallie share recent blog posts about SMART Boards and audio Bibles in this latest installment of the summer WELS Hacker series.

Of interest:

  • (18:22) WELSTech turns 200 – On September 7th WELSTech will broadcast our 200th weekly episode, and we need your help to celebrate! Lend your voice to the podcast by recording a voice mail about … your own tech in ministry experience, your favorite podcast episode or just general well-wishes for our 200th anniversary celebration … and you could win a custom WELSTech 4 GB Flip Mino HD video camera – approximate value $100! Be sure to include your name and location in your recording so we can contact you if you are the winner. Deadline for entry is Labor Day, September 5, 2011. Call and leave a message today to enter at 405-FOR-WELS (405-367-9357).
  • Job Opening – There is an opening in the WELS Technology Office for a Technical Support Specialist. Contact WELSTech for more details.

Community feedback:

The featured artist:

(30:11) We close the podcast with the music of Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com and mikewestendorf on Twitter) – Open the Door from his CD titled “Undefined”

Get involved: