109 – Reaching The Technophobe

This week on the WELSTech podcast Martin and Sallie discuss ideas for reaching out to the non-techies in your congregation.

Podcast: Download (42.0MB)

The discussion:

Tackling tech fears – Has your congregation considered offering TSL classes – “Tech as a Second Language”? Martin and Sallie explain how patience and communication are key factors in turning technophobes into digital consumers.

Welcome to the Web – Great Internet and computer basics lessons, kid-friendly but helpful for adults too!
Wikipedia defines technophobia and technophilia
For the teachers … A Few Simple Ways To Introduce Reluctant Colleagues To Technology

The interview:

(16:06) Technology Malawi-Style – Missionary Paul Nitz joins Martin and Sallie from Lilongwe, Malawi to talk about the blessings and challenges of mission work Africa, and how technology is helping.

Learn more about mission work in Malawi from the Missions blog

Ministry resources:

(36:04) Thanks to Nancy Thompson from Victory of the Lamb in Franklin, WI for tweeting several Christmas worship media giveaways:

Worship House Media – 12 Days of Christmas
Centerline Media – Daily freebies
Muddy River Media – Christmas giveaways and an excellent $10 media package
Tips for formatting video clips

Picks of the week:

(40:55) Build a $100 Document Reader – a Do-It-Yourself dream!
Foxit Phantom – a PDF Swiss Army Knife

Community feedback:

(46:24) Gail Potratz from Emanuel in New London, WI and Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE shared great resources using #WELSTech on Twitter:
- Apture.com – add multimedia to your site with one click
- The power of the PLN (Personal Learning Network)
Dan Nommensen from Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Family Services is looking for tips for his e-newsletter. Check out
- The Newsletter Newsletter
- Try MailChimp for free – Learn how from WELSTech episode 089 BWTG: e-News with MailChimp
Martin’s Glo Bible demo video is a hit!
Mark Helman from Twinfinity Creations has the music of Susan Ann and continues to learn from WELSTech!
Julie Duran, WELS webmaster, shared additional RSS resources for our WELSTech Wiki RSS page

Coming up on WELSTech:

(57:18) Episode 110 – Our discussion of Shane Hipps’ The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture continues with chapter 2: Perceiving The Powers That Shape Us. (Release date 12/16/09)