251 – Summer Software Showcase: KidBlog.org

We wrap up our Summer Software Showcase series this week with a focus on the classroom blogging tool, KidBlog, and the many ways it can be used in an education setting.  You won’t want to miss the latest Community Feedback and Martin’s browser tab trick either.

The discussion:

Goodbye Summer – Martin and Sallie record the last Summer Software Showcase segment, focusing on ministry uses of the classroom-centric blogging tool, KidBlog.org.

  • How to Use Blogs from Scholastic – Grades 3-5 and 6-8
  • Visit our sample WELSTech KidBlog.  The login link is in the upper right.
    • Admin login
      • Username: WELSTech Admin
      • Password: WELSTech
    • Student login
      • Username: WELSTech Student
      • Password: WELSTech

Ministry Uses

  1. Electronic Journaling – Check out Sallie’s list of writing prompts for elementary students
  2. Subject or topic specific writing
  3. Keyboarding practice
  4. Online discussion or Q&A
  5. Posting teacher assignments

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(34:20) Episode 252 – Join Martin and Sallie next week for a countdown of the 7 Best Password Management Tips and Tools. (Release date – 09/04/12)

The featured artist:

(35:35)  We close the podcast with the music of  Revelation, a music ministry of Wisconsin Lutheran College (www.revelationwlc.com) – Ancient of Days 

Get involved:

250 – Summer Software Showcase: Google Hangouts

What a way to celebrate the 250th WELSTech episode … by launching a brand new video option! Listeners can now watch the live video stream of WELSTech in real time or tune in later to view the recorded video or listen to the traditional audio recording of the show. Besides the video excitement, we also continue our Summer Software Showcase series, focusing on Google Hangouts.

The discussion:

Hanging out on video – Martin and Sallie put their recommendation into practice this week, using the Summer Software Showcase feature, Google Hangouts, to launch the first-ever WELSTech videocast.  Listen and watch as they discuss the pros and cons of  this multi-person video chat/streaming tool.

Ministry Uses

  1. Meetings
  2. Bible study or any small class
  3. Connect classrooms
  4. Tech support
  5. Stream events from church of school

Picks of the week:

7 Best:

(30:50) Send us your favorite Password Management Tips and Tools for inclusion in our September 7 Best list

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(39:47) Episode 251 – Next week we wrap up our Summer Software Showcase series with an edtech discussion of KidBlog. (Release date – 08/28/12)

The featured artist:

(42:35)  We close with the music of L. A. Miller – Flyin’ Free 

Get involved:

249 – Summer Software Showcase: GloBible

This week on the WELSTech Podcast we look at the multimedia GloBible.

The discussion:

Through the GloBible Lens – Martin and Sallie share the highlights of the unique multimedia GloBible. Check out our past interview with GloBible creator, Nelson Saba, as well as Martin’s video tour of the software.

Ministry Uses

  1. Project the software in Bible class
  2. Use it for personal Bible study and reading plans
  3. Enrich catechism class or school Bible story time
  4. Record screencast videos to “flip” your Bible studies or share a teaser on an upcoming topic
  5. Gift new members or confirmands with a copy

Picks of the week:

7 Best:

(27:30) Send us your favorite Password Management Tips and Tools for inclusion in our September 7 Best list

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(39:43) Episode 250 – Next week Martin and Sallie talk about ministry uses for Google Hangouts as our Summer Software Showcase continues. Oh, and we officially launch the video podcast.  Yikes!! (Release date – 08/22/12)

The featured artist:

(41:48)  We close the podcast with the music of Cross To Glory (www.facebook.com/crosstoglory) – My Grace Will Do 

Get involved:

248 – Summer Software Showcase: FreeMind

This week on the WELSTech Podcast we look at the free, open-source mind mapping software, FreeMind.

The discussion:

For non-linear brains – Cross-platform FreeMind maps its way onto the Summer Software Showcase stage as Martin and Sallie discuss the basics of mind mapping and how a mind mapping tool can enhance your ministry efforts.

Ministry Uses

  1. Outline your sermons, devotions, Bible studies, text studies, etc.
  2. Lesson planning
  3. Presentations
  4. Meeting notes
  5. Brainstorming – capture ideas for student projects for school, church events, etc.

Other software options

Picks of the week:

7 Best:

(26:47) Send us your favorite Password Management Tips and Tools for inclusion in our September 7 Best list

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(40:23) Episode 249 – Next week’s Summer Software Showcase feature will be the GloBible. How will we possibly narrow the Ministry Uses list to just 5?? (Release date – 08/15/12)

The featured artist:

(40:50)  We close the podcast with the instrumental music of In His Service (www.adagioconcepts.com) – O Lord, Send Forth Your Spirit 

Get involved:

247 – 7 Best Ministry Gadgets

This week on the WELSTech Podcast we countdown the 7 best ministry gadgets.

The discussion:

Bright & Shiny – This month WELSTech-ers really chimed in to share their favorite Ministry Gadgets, and Martin and Sallie count down the top picks.

Ministry Gadgets

  1. Anything Free
  2. Scanner and other input devices
  3. Favorite tech buddy
  4. Mobile Wi-Fi
  5. Tablet
  6. Computer or laptop
  7. Smartphone

Coming up in September … 7 Best Password Management Tools and Tips

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(32:11) Episode 248 – The WELSTech Summer Software Showcase returns, and we look at 5 ministry uses of FreeMind, a free open-source mind mapping tool. (Release date – 08/08/12)

The featured artist:

(33:20) We close the podcast with the music of instrumentalist Joey Schumann (JoeySchumann.com | Joey on Facebook) – In You Is Gladness

Get involved: