328 – The Church of Google

Google’s place in our lives and influence over the way we think is the subject of chapter 8 of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows and also the subject of today’s WELSTech discussion. Martin and Sallie may be on opposite sides of the debate, but they find common ground in today’s discussion.  Listen for that, plus a ton of community feedback covering everything from midi music to webcam doorbells.

The discussion:

Is Google Evil? – The WELSTech book discussion is back, and today’s topic is chapter 8 of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing To Our Brains which focuses on Google’s powerful position and how they may be using it to influence the way we think. Recognizing this, but also pointing out the author’s premise focuses only on the effect of these changes on our brains while overlooking our souls, Martin makes a great point about the Christian’s soul in light of all the changes around us.

Tech tips:

• Keeping focus while working from home – Separate your digital devices
• PicMonkey Canvas  – Overview

Picks of the week:

• Unifi AP LR – Works at home too!
• QuizUp

Of interest:

Join the online interactive Bible study led by WELS President Mark Schroeder on the topic of “I’d like to read the Bible, but …” happening Wednesdays in February at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. Learn more.

Community feedback:

• 10 Tips to Transform Your Presentations – A Haiku Deck
• Google Chromebox for Meetings
• Midi and more resources from the WELSTech ListServe
  • OpenHymnal.org
  • Music Ease
  • EasyByte.org
  • Free Bach Organ works from James Kibbie
  • ABC Plus
  • ABC Explorer
  • International Music Score Library Project
  • The Mutopia Project
  • 8notes.com
• Pastor Emile Burgess’ stand up desk solution
• GetDoorBot.com
• Snippet
• Computer Science Unplugged
• Online Converter
• Inspired Writing
• Elexio Self-Service Kiosk for Churches
• WELS Google Apps Trainers
• Shepherd’s Staff on ShopWELS
• Complete Guide to the New Google Apps Admin Console

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 329 – Join Martin and Sallie for a discussion for the important topic of copyright as it relates to the church and school. (Release date – 02/18/14)

Music download:

This week only, download a classic WELS tune from ExCorde – Lutheran Woman

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Feature image courtesy of Maria Guimarães