291 – What The Internet Is Doing To Your Brain

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Today on WELSTech we tackle a potentially scary topic – your brain on the Internet! David Tess joins us to calm our fears and talk about the new wiring that is going on in today’s brains. We also have a listener book review, some vacation tech ideas, a WELS.net feature and feedback from the awesome WELSTech community!

The interview and discussion:

(3:21) How You Think – Professor David Tess from Wisconsin Lutheran College talks with Martin and Sallie about his upcoming presentation for the Wisconsin Lutheran Teachers’ Conference on the effect of the Internet on brain development. Different connections are made in the brain today because of the massive amounts of information that is being processed. And with all of the information coming into the brain, it is extremely hard to have deep thought processes on most of it.

Listener reviews:

Picks of the week:

WELS.net feature:

(41:20) Find a church or school using the WELS Locator online or in the WELS Mobile app. It’s a good idea to verify your own church or school listing and e-mail updates or photos to [email protected].

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(51:27) Episode 292 – Summer is officially ON for WELSTech next week as we kick off our summer “Church and School Website Content” series. Listen all summer as Martin and Sallie collaborate on an e-book on the topic. First up … The Home Page. (Release date – 06/11/13)

The featured artist:

(53:12) We close the podcast with the music of Cross To Glory (www.facebook.com/crosstoglory) – One Name

Get involved:

290 – Summer Bucket Lists

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This week’s WELSTech Podcast has an education focus as Jason Schmidt joins Martin and Sallie to talk about a bucket full of summer tech learning opportunities, both online and face to face. Combine that with our picks of the week, event announcements and community feedback for a show you don’t want to miss!

The discussion:

Kick the bucket – Jason Schmidt from Bennington ISD near Omaha, NE guests hosts with Martin and Sallie this week, and the three of us reveal our bucket list of learning goals for the summer and beyond.

Picks of the week:

Calendar:

(28:28) WELSTech turns 300 in just 10 short episodes. Make plans to celebrate with us as we broadcast live from Synod Convention on July 30 at 8 p.m.!

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(38:46) Episode 291 – Prof. David Tess from Wisconsin Lutheran College joins Martin and Sallie to talk about what the Internet is doing to our brains. (Release date – 06/04/13)

The featured artist:

(39:30) We close the podcast with the instrumental music of In His Service (www.adagioconcepts.com) – O Lord, Send Forth Your Spirit

Get involved:

289 – Minding Your Members

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Today on WELSTech we look at online, collaborative solutions for managing member and prospective member information. Sallie kicks off her very own picks of the week series geared at summer vacation, and we debut a brand new promo video for the upcoming WELSTech Camp event. All that, and the answer to your burning questions about Martin’s jet lag as well!

The discussion:

Software to manage your church – Keeping up with information about members and prospective members can be a huge job for church pastors, secretaries and volunteers. Now many software solutions are moving to the cloud for online sharing or data updates and inquiries. Martin and Sallie discuss a variety of considerations including, most importantly, security of your data.

The interview:

(10:29) Church in the cloud – Peter Frank, Manager of Concordia Technology Solutions, talks with Martin and Sallie about one of their newest products, Church360: Members, a full-featured online church membership database. Watch for a look inside a demo installation.

News in tech:

(30:39) Google+ gets a feature-packaged redesign – Tips for navigating the new Google+ stream

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

(43:51) We hope you enjoy our promo video for the first ever WELSTech Camp unconference.  Join us September 14th at Martin Luther College. For details and tickets for this free day, visit our event wiki.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(49:11) Episode 290 – What’s on your learning bucket list? Tune in next week as Martin, Sallie and guest host Jason Schmidt share ideas for kicking that particular bucket (list). (Release date – 05/28/13)

The featured artist:

(50:01) We close the podcast with the music of Corban Creek – Psalm 46

Get involved:

288 – From Hong Kong to Sleepy Eye

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This week’s WELSTech Podcast spans the globe as Martin joins us from the future, 13 hours ahead in Hong Kong! We feature a wrap up of the Presentation Zen book discussion and a new “Listener Review” segment. Martin also shares his thoughts on his Windows Surface Pro tablet, which he deemed worthy of making the trip to Hong Kong.

The discussion:

How engaging! – Martin and Sallie reach the conclusion of our latest book discussion, Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds (garrreynolds.com | @presentationzen), with a look at techniques for engaging your audience including getting rid of barriers, having the right equipment and keeping it real.

Listener reviews:

(19:40) This week we introduce a new feature on WELSTech … Listener Reviews.

  • Pastor Matt Arnold from St. Paul in Oconto Falls, WI kicks it off with his review of the Nexus 7 tablet.
  • Send us a video, audio or text review of your favorite tech-in-ministry product, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for great prizes!

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

  • (30:45) WELSTech Camp – September 14 at Martin Luther College – FREE!!
  • Google Education Summit – June 16-21 at Wisconsin Lutheran College – $200 registration discount with “WELSTech” promo code

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(45:30) Episode 289 – Martin and Sallie talk with Peter Frank from Concordia Technology Solutions about the online member database Church 360. (Release date – 05/21/13)

The featured artist:

(46:46) We close the podcast with the music of Michael Schroeder (www.michaelschroeder.com and on Facebook) – Holy Holy Holy

Get involved:

287 – Connected Youth

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Since it’s confirmation season, today’s WELSTech focus is keeping teens connected to the Word, and we look at ways technology may be able to assist. We also talk with Brandon Steenbock, who is serving “in the trenches” when it comes to youth ministry. There’s Google news, missionary videos and much more packed into this episode.

The discussion:

Relationships and Connections – Today’s youth are more plugged in than any previous generation, but before you connect in a digital fashion with them, it’s important to establish a face-to-face relationship. Martin and Sallie share ideas for making digital connections and keeping your communication safe.

The interview:

(8:36) Not Just an Event Organizer – Brandon Steenbock, Youth and Family Minister at St. Paul’s in New Ulm, MN, shares his experience with Martin and Sallie. From polling youth about their preferred communication channel (Facebook, Text or E-mail) to sharing video clips as discussion starters to engaging youth in summer mission trips, Brandon has had a variety of success in connecting with youth in his congregation.

Ministry resources:

(26:30) Bible Challenge from Back to the Bible

News in tech:

Picks of the week:

WELS.net feature:

(37:03) Check out the schedule of upcoming live streamed events including Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and Martin Luther College graduation activities

Of interest:

  • (37:55)Google Education Summit will take place June 16-21 at Wisconsin Lutheran College
    • Use promo code “WELSTech” and receive a $200 discount on your registration!
  • The first ever WELSTech Camp unconference will be held September, 14 at Martin Luther College. For details and tickets for this free day, visit our event wiki.

Community feedback:

  • (40:22) Missionary Mike Hartman from Leon, Mexico shared a video recap of the recent Greek Fluency Workshop he attended in Israel
  • Summer #WELSed Twitter chat dates are June 13, July 11 and August 8
  • David Schumann from Peace in Janesville, WI is looking for a free or affordable automated solution for telephone messaging to members. Anyone have experience or a suggestion for David?
  • Via Diigo, we learned about …

Coming up on WELSTech:

(49:27) Episode 288 – This year’s book discussion of Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds wraps up next week as we look at chapters 10 and 11 of the book. (Release date – 05/14/13)

The featured artist:

(50:03) We close the podcast with the music of  Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com and mikewestendorf on Twitter) – Four To Go

Get involved:

286 – Learning To Look Back

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On this edition of WELSTech, we take a look back at some tech achievements in the 2012-13 school year, and we learn about a new resource web site for Lutheran teachers and administrators. Listen for a special discount on the upcoming Google Education Summit and a recap of the recent crowd-writing event sponsored by the Christ In Media Institute.

The discussion:

Year End Assessment – Gail Potratz, one of our semi-regular classroom technology correspondents from Emanuel in New London, WI shares highlights of the 2012-13 school year in terms of tech accomplishments. It’s no surprise that she has good things to say about her Google Apps and Chromebooks pilot program that was implemented this year. She also shares a flipped classroom method using the Explain everything iPad app which she says has become the standard production method in her school.

  • Google Education Summit will take place June 16-21 at Wisconsin Lutheran College
    • Use promo code “WELSTech” and receive a $200 discount on your registration!

The interview:

(23:39) Lutheran Schools Resources – Director of Lutheran Schools, Greg Schmill, and teacher Matt Groth from St. Paul’s in Saginaw, MI debut the recently redesigned Lutheran Schools web site which is loaded with great resources to address all types of teacher and administrator needs. The site also supports the ability for users to share files with others, so look for the site to grow as more WELS teachers begin to use it and share their own resources.

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

(52:47) Christ In Media Institute (CIMI) sponsored a crowd-writing event on April 29 to kick off the Bethany Lutheran College Media Week events. WELSTech friend, Jas Lonnquist, moderated the discussion. The Christian sci-fi premise was released in advance of the event and the discussion continues on the CIMI forums. You can still be part of the development of a future TV or Web broadcast.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:01:22) Episode 287 – Confirmation season is upon us so our WELSTech discussion turns to keeping teens connected to God’s Word, including ways technology can help. Staff minister Brandon Steenbock joins Martin and Sallie to share his experience. (Release date – 05/07/13)

The featured artist:

(1:02:10) We close the podcast with the music of Stephen Bautista (www.stephenbautistamusic.com or stephenbautista on Twitter) – Flowers Are Dancing

Get involved:

285 – Introducing Tech

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This week on the WELSTech Podcast we share ideas for successfully (and slowly) introducing tech in your congregation. We also share lots of new WELSTech goodies – from Twitter to Facebook to our very own Resources page. And we have something in our listener feedback mailbag for everyone. Keep calm and listen to WELSTech!

The interview & discussion:

(3:47) Slow and Steady – Are you ready to go digital with your church newsletter or add a projection screen in your sanctuary? On today’s WELSTech Martin and Sallie talk with Pastor Steve Schamber and Jason Petoskey from Holy Trinity in Wyoming, MI about their success with collaborative worship presentations. We also discuss ways to implement all types of tech in your congregation.

News in tech:

(40:53) Happy World Book Night 2013

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:15:29) Episode 286 – Next week Gail Potratz, one of our semi-regular classroom technology correspondents, joins the conversation with Martin and Sallie to take a look at the waning school year from an ed tech perspective – what worked and what didn’t in the 2012-13 classroom. (Release date – 04/30/13)

The featured artist:

(1:16:16) This week we close the podcast with the music of Kevin Loersch – Love Beyond All Telling

Get involved:

284 – Building A Specialized Digital Ministry

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On this edition of WELSTech, we discuss ideas and examples of digital outreach web sites, podcasts, video channels and e-news including the Bread For Beggars site started in the WELS South Atlantic District. It may be our longest episode ever, but you’ll want to hang on for all the picks, WELS.net features and community feedback goodness we’ve packed into this show!

The discussion:

Niche Evangelism – Going beyond traditional church web sites, many people are using creative digital content to reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ. Martin and Sallie take a whirl-wind tour of specialized digital ministry efforts across the web and discuss tools and channels you can use for your own outreach as part of congregation efforts or on a personal level.

The interview:

(25:06) The Bread of Life – Pastor Mark Parsons from Christ the King in Port Charlotte, FL and Matt Visaggio talk with Martin and Sallie about the web site Bread for Beggars, an outreach focused site started in WELS South Atlantic District.

Picks of the week:

WELS.net feature:

(53:53) Check out WELS’ brand new Spanish outreach site, El Mensajero Luterano

Of interest:

(56:25) Register online to attend the first WELSTech Camp, a free un-conference coming up September 14 at Martin Luther College. Check out the link for all the details including a Friday night meet-up and deals on hotels in the area.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:14:38) Episode 285 – Next week Martin and Sallie will explore ideas to introduce technology in your congregation and talk with Pastor Steve Schamber and Jason Petoskey about the use of Logos Proclaim for worship projection at Holy Trinity in Wyoming, MI. (Release date – 04/23/13)

The featured artist:

(1:15:39) We close today’s WELSTech with the music of Joey Schumann and the Lutheran Ceili Orchestra (JoeySchumann.com | Joey on Facebook) – Christ Be Beside Me

Get involved:

283 – Garr Connects With His Audience!

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Today on the WELSTech Podcast we continue our Presentation Zen book discussion with a dive into the chapter 9 topic, audience engagement. We also take a look at a brand new ministry resource as Martin demos the Who Is Jesus? iBook, and we catch up on lots of great listener feedback.

The discussion:

Dull presentations forbidden – Leading off with an e-mail message from Presentation Zen author, Garr Reynolds (garrreynolds.com | @presentationzen), Martin and Sallie discuss chapter 9 of the book which focuses on the important skill of connecting with your audience during a presentation. Listen for the secret weapons they use to engage their audience.

Ministry resource:

(15:22) Who is Jesus? iBook

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(42:27) Episode 284 – Pastor Mark Parsons and Matt Visaggio share their work on BreadForBeggars.com, and we consider other specialty ministry sites. (Release date – 04/16/13)

The featured artist:

(44:19) We close with the music of WELS musician and staff minister Benhur Khamrang (Reverbnation) – Brothers, Sisters, Let Us Gladly

Get involved:

282 – Going Beyond Cat Videos

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Today’s WELSTech Podcast covers ways to use your mobile photo or tablet photography in ministry. We also talk with designer Corissa Nelson about ways she lets her light shine through her online business, image donations to WELS and design work for her local congregation.

The discussion:

The best camera … – Martin and Sallie talk about the meteoric rise in prevalence of “pocketography” – using cameras on smartphones and tablets to easily capture and share images – and ways which these cameras can aid the work of churches, schools and individuals.

The interview:

(19:50) Letting Her Light Shine Through Art – Corissa Nelson, member of Our Savior in Grafton, WI, talks with Martin and Sallie about her design business and the ways she uses her gifts to God’s glory in her church, the synod and beyond.

News in tech:

(33:40) Grace Lutheran principal Peter Iles garners Google’s attention

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

(40:57) WELSTech Camp will run from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM and plans are for 4 one-hour discussion time slots plus lunch, snacks and giveaways. Join the conversation on September 14 at Martin Luther College!

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(45:02) Episode 283 – Connecting with an audience is important to any public speaker and the topic of next week’s podcast discussion as we continue reviewing Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds. (Release date – 04/09/13)

The featured artist:

(45:50) We close the podcast with the music of The Branches Band (www.branchesband.com|Facebook) – This Is The Day The Lord Has Made

Get involved: