064 – Who needs an encyclopedia?

This week on WELSTech Martin, Sallie and Gail discuss Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) and Patti Ullsperger from Lenovo updates us on exciting new classroom technology.

The discussion:

The interview:

  • Patti UllspergerClassroom technology by Lenovo (22:58) – Patti Ullsperger from computer maker and ShopWELS.net vendor Lenovo joins Martin and Sallie to share information on the newest technologies Lenovo offers to enhance classroom learning.

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (37:19)
  • New technology showcase (46:15)
  • Community feedback (52:56)
    • The PDF conversation started in our last episode continues:
      • Joshua Schoeneck, Director of Technology at Kettle Moraine LHS, cautioned that some users don’t have the PDF reader, particularly in foreign countries
      • Perry Lund from Grace in Oskaloosa, IA shared a link to PDF Shrink, a Mac PDF tool for optimization
      • Rob Benson, our own WELS Security Administrator, agreed that free PDF solutions can solve many needs.  His comment was on Sallie’s facebook post about the podcast.  Why not share today’s podcast on your favorite social sites using the row of icons at the bottom of today’s show notes?
      • Pastor Dan Witte from Risen Savior in Lakewood Ranch, FL reminded us to consider encryption and password protection of sensitive PDF docs
    • Pastor Tim Wagner of Abiding Peace in Elgin, IL asked how to create an RSS feed of a web page that doesn’t have a feed.  Try www.ponyfish.com.
  • Coming up on WELSTech (1:00:04)
    • Episode 065 – Tune in to our April Fool’s Day broadcast for a new contest announcement and a security discussion with Rob Benson

The featured artist:

  • We close with the music of WELS insrumentalist In His Service (www.adagioconcepts.com) – Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow from their fourth CD titled In Our Hearts (1:01:54)

Get involved:

063 – PDFs and Potlucks

This week on WELSTech the discussion centers around PDFs, and Martin and Sallie share resources for creating and editing documents in this universal format.

The discussion:

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (25:00)
  • WELS.net feature (30:27)
  • Community feedback (31:45)
    • David Savatski from WELS World Missions Promotions shared ministry uses for Flickr
    • We received a follow up comment from last week’s interviewee, Lori Aschbrenner of Beautiful Savior in Evertte, WA, with a caution for folks to obtain proper permission before posting photos of people on their church or school web site
    • From the WELSTech Listserve
      • Joshua Schoeneck, Director of Technology at Kettle Morrain Lutheran HS, posted that the full version of Listserve Lite by L-soft is free to schools through their NetPals program – netpals.lsoft.com/netpals.html
      • Jason Petoskey, Network Administrator for Holy Trinity in Wyoming, MI, is using FinalWeb e-mail distribution lists to send e-mail devotions in his congregation
      • LJ shared a link to Christian Worship hymnal resources at www.lutheranmusic.com
    • David Schumann from Peace in Janesville, WI is looking for a worship primer.  Do you have one to share?
    • Joshua Schoeneck e-mailed another comment regarding copyright concerns with “broadcast” of Pandora internet radio in the church narthex
  • Coming up on WELSTech (42:40)
    • Episode 064 – Do you have a PLN?  Learn about Personal Learning Networks during our discussion with Gail Potratz.  Also learn about Lenovo classroom technology during our interview with Patty Ullsperger.

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of WELS artists Kevin Loersche and Cindy Bauder – My Savior Jesus from Kevin’s CD titled Abide With Me (41:15)

Get involved:

062 – Your Digital Fingerprint

This week on WELSTech Martin and Sallie explore ministry implications of the new amateur communication channels that exist on the web and chat with professional photographer Lori Ashbrenner about simple ways to improve digital photography skills.

The discussion:

  • “Publish, Then Filter” – In today’s discussion Martin and Sallie look at the effects of the amateurization of communication as they discuss the fourth chapter of Clay Shirky’s Here Comes Everybody. The enormity and permanence of web-based (public) communication via e-mail, web sites and social networks offers unique opportunities and challenges for ministry.  Because the communication channels are so new, standards for filtering or ignoring certain communication aren’t yet established.

The interview:

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (37:12)
  • WELS.net feature (43:09)
    • Check out the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society site for devotions, prayers and mission projects plus rally and convention information – www.lwms.org
  • Community feedback (44:20)
    • The WELSTech listserve has been a busy place!  Check out the archive for these interesting threads:
      • Content filtering – Information shared has been added to the WELSTech wiki
      • Worship presentation software – Is anyone using EZ Worhip or Media Shout?  If so, please share your impressions of the software.
      • Hymnsoft
      • Mass e-mail solutions
    • Ben Polzin asked for an example church web site that is doing a good job of separating member and visitor content
    • John Schoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA reported that Google Video is turning down uploads.  This is the platform that had supported closed-caption video and longer video lengths.  Stay-tuned to find out what solution emerges to fill this gap.
    • We heard from Rachel M. & David Savatiski via the #WELSTech Twitter conversation, and both reported that they got ideas for their congregational web sites from our last episode discussion of “Five Don’ts“.
    • David Savatski also shared a link to www.VoodooPad.com and left us a voicemail requesting ideas for teaching members to make use of congregation and school digital communication.
  • Coming up on WELSTech (1:00:53)
    • Episode 063 – Next week we’ll explore all things PDF – editing, optimizing, merging and more – and talk with our ShopWELS Lenovo partner, Patty Ullsperger

The featured artist:

  • We close with the music of WELS artist Wendysue Fluegee (www.wendysue.com) – Weary from her CD titled Everyday Christian (1:02:30)

Get involved:

061 – The Five Don’ts

This week on WELSTech the topic is digital evangelism.  Martin and Sallie discuss five “don’ts” for church web sites and talk with Pastor Ken Fisher about the WELS evangelism site, WhatAboutJesus.com.

The discussion:

  • Don’t make these mistakes on your church web site! – Your church or school web site is oftentimes making first impressions on the world so it is, of course, important that its design and content reflect favorably on your congregation. Martin and Sallie discuss five “don’ts” you’ll want to avoid when creating your site.

The interview:

  • Pastor Ken FisherReaching out with WhatAboutJesus.com (23:08) – Martin and Sallie talk with Pastor Ken Fisher from Risen Savior in Milwaukee, WI about the development behind the WhatAboutJesus.com evangelism web site. Pastor Fisher also shares info on some of the key site features, feedback they have received and future plans for the site.

The tidbits:

The featured artist:

  • We close with the music of WELS praise band, Koine (www.koinemusic.com) – Crown Him With Many Crowns from their CD titled Koine (59:45)

Get involved: