322 – The Best of 2013

Don’t miss this last WELSTech Podcast of 2013 as Martin and Sallie review the entire year of WELSTech content and share some of their favorite moments. From Pinterest to Bread for Beggars, The Shallows to new smartphones, WELSTech Camp to MathCounts and healthy doses of Google Apps for Education and Chromebooks to boot, the past year didn’t disappoint in terms of tech-in-ministry progress.

The discussion:

What a year – Martin and Sallie look back at 2013, a very full year of WELSTech goodness including memorable interviews, new tech-enhanced ministry efforts, outstanding picks, reviews and episodes and face-to-face meetings with members of the WELSTech community. There were even cupcakes as we celebrated the 300th WELSTech episode. Join us for a trip down memory lane!

(2:30) Favorite events

(8:15) New and notable WELS tech-in-ministry
(15:55) Favorite episodes

Coming up on WELSTech:

(49:25) Episode 323 – Join Martin and Sallie as we start year 7 of the WELSTech Podcast with a look ahead at WELSTech in 2014. (Release date – 01/07/14)

Music download:

(49:49) We continue to celebrate the Christmas season with a free music download from CrossWalk (YouTube | iTunes) – He Is The Life

Get involved:

321 – Christmas Eve With A Good Book

Celebrate Christmas Eve with a special WELSTech interview.  Martin and Sallie talk with the new president of Northwestern Publishing House, Bill Ziche, about his immediate and long range vision for NPH. Merry Christmas WELSTech-ers!

The interview:

Within WELS and beyond –  Martin and Sallie interview with Bill Ziche, President of Northwestern Publishing House, about his first 6 months on the job and his goal of making NPH relevant today and into the future in hopes of spreading the gospel message to all.

Coming up on WELSTech:

(21:13) Episode 322 – Martin and Sallie head down memory lane to review the best episodes, events, interviews, picks, reviews and more from WELSTech 2013. (Release date – 12/31/13)

Music download:

(21:45) As a special treat on Christmas Eve, enjoy a free download from pianist Dawn Michelle Williams (www.dawnmichellewilliams.com | Twitter | Facebook) – Away In A Manger

Get involved:

320 – Getting Mobile With Ministry

As 2013 winds down, Martin and Sallie share the last regular WELSTech episode of the year with a focus on in-your-pocket mobile technology which reaches all corners of the world and which can be used for personal spiritual growth and to enhance gospel outreach efforts locally and around the world.

The interview:

(3:42) Worldwide mobile outreach – Pastor Tom Kuster, Director of the Christ in Media Institute (CIMI) at Bethany Lutheran College, talks with Martin and Sallie about their current Christian Smart-Phone Project for world mission mobile outreach.

The discussion:

(20:14) Favorite mobile apps – It’s show-and-tell time as Martin and Sallie share some of their favorite mobile apps, with a focus on those that enhance personal and public ministry efforts. We’d love to hear from you about any of your favorite apps which we failed to mention!

Personal

Pastoral

Education

Productivity

Other Favs

Social

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

(52:50) Tune in for the streamed Christmas concert, Emmanuel Lux by Koine – December 19 at 7:00 pm via WELS Streams

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:06:25) Episode 321 – Join Martin and Sallie for the WELSTech Christmas Eve special interview with Bill Ziche, President of Northwestern Publishing House. (Release date – 12/24/13)

Music download:

(1:07:20) This week enjoy a free Christmas music download from WELS artist Kevin Loersch, arranged by Linda Moeller  – O Come, Little Children

Get involved:

319 – eBooks For All … Even Ding-A-Lings

On WELSTech today we look at how ebooks are changing the way we read as we return to our current book discussion of The Shallows by Nicholar Carr. HymnSoft Version 3 was recently released so we talk with folks behind the project and take a look at the software in action. Also there is much to share in the Community Feedback mailbag including a fantastic video that was recently released by Lakeside Lutheran High School. Sallie is dingy, and Martin does something never before done on WELSTech. Don’t miss it!

The discussion:

The great eBook debate – Chapter 6 of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows, titled “The Very Image of a Book”, is the topic of this month’s book discussion. Martin and Sallie explore the subtle and not so subtle changes that have occurred with the progressive use of eBooks. Which do you prefer – print or eBook format?

The interview:

(23:06) HymnSoft Version 3 – Carl Nolte, Editor of Sacred Music and Worship at Northwestern Publishing House and Pastor Mike Schultz, Director of the WELS Hymnal Project, share a behind-the-scenes look at the newest version of HymnSoft which includes hymns and worship settings from Christian Worship, Christian Worship Supplement and Occasional Services.

Ministry resources:

  • (46:15) Ryan Rosenthal from Faith in Fond du Lac, WI shared ideas for using Dropbox.com cloud-based file storage to provide resources for students and parents
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will ll be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

Of interest:

Upcoming streamed Koine Christmas concert via WELS Streams – December 19 at 7:00 pm

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

 

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:15:50) Episode 320 – Martin and Sallie talk mobile apps for ministry and more and Prof. Tom Kuster joins the discussion to share details on this year’s Christ In Media Institute worldwide mobile outreach project. (Release date – 12/17/13)

Music download:

(1:16:20) Enjoy a free music download from WELS flutist Jeannine Dennis (jeanninedennis.com) – Silent Night

Get involved:

318 – Language Arts

Technology in education isn’t limited to math and science. Today we hear from Gail Potratz with many ideas for integrating technology into the Language Arts classroom. Manitowoc LHS Tech Director, Ryan Rathje, also chats with Sallie and Martin about edtech topics. Turn it up teachers, and let the WELSTech goodness flow!

The discussion:

Language Arts goes techie – Gail Potratz, our semi-regular classroom technology correspondent from Emmanuel in New London, MN, joins Martin and Sallie this week to share ideas for technology integration in the Language Art classroom.

The interview:

(28:36) Technology for new teachers (and seasoned veterans as well) – Ryan Rathje, Technology Director at Manitowoc Lutheran High School, shares highlights from his recent MLC Convocation presentation to education majors titled “Technology: Harder and Easier Than It Looks”.

Ministry resources:

  • (42:38) Paul Workentine shared links to Bible history sites Ferrell’s Travel Blog and BiblePlaces.com
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will ll be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Listener reviews:

  • (44:14) Ryan Rosenthal from Faith in Fond du Lac, WI reviews the Ziggi HD USB Document Camera
  • Share your review of software, hardware or web sites which assist with your personal or professional ministry efforts, and you will be entered to win a Nexus 7 tablet. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

(1:06:30) Upcoming streamed Christmas concerts:

  • Via WELS Streams
    • Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary – December 8 at 3:00 pm
    • Koine – December 19 at 7:00 pm
  • Via MLC TV
    • Martin Luther College – December 7 at 7:30 pm & December 8 at 4:00 pm

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:07:41) Episode 319 – Tune in for chapter 6 of our current book discussion of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows as well as the inside scoop on the new edition of HymnSoft with Carl Nolte and Michael Schultz. (Release date – 12/10/13)

Music download:

(1:09:05) Kick off your Advent with a free music download from WELS pianist Dawn Michelle Williams (www.dawnmichellewilliams.com | Twitter | Facebook) – Carol of the Bells

Get involved:

317 – Thank You God For Tech

We are celebrating Thanksgiving on WELStech this week by sharing our thanks for technology that assists ministry efforts. Martin and Sallie have a full house of Google tips and picks along with much non-Google technology from our listeners to be thankful for as well.

The discussion:

Giving Thanks – Rapid changes in technology have afforded us many opportunities to enhance ministry efforts. Join Martin and Sallie in giving thanks for the abundant tech-in-ministry blessings we enjoy – from the ability to communicate to a worldwide audience to enhancements in personal productivity to increased opportunities to share our faith through social media. Happy Thanksgiving!

Ministry Resources:

  • (18:20) LiveMocha language training with a social twist
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will ll be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

WELS.net features:

(33:24) Start the new church year off right with a variety of church year calendars

Of interest:

(35:45) Upcoming streamed Christmas concerts:

  • Via WELS Streams
    • Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary – December 8 at 3:00 pm
    • Koine – December 19 at 7:00 pm
  • Via MLC TV
    • Martin Luther College – December 7 at 7:30 pm & December 8 at 4:00 pm

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(47:13) Episode 318 – Next week Gail Potratz is guest-hosting and the topic of the day is tech in the Language Arts classroom. Martin and Sallie also talk with Ryan Rathje about his recent edtech advice for future teachers. (Release date – 12/03/13)

Music download:

(47:53) This week only, download a free music single from WELS harpist Elaine Stindt (HarpElaine.com) – Joyful, Joyful

Get involved:

316 – Mac vs. PC

The gloves are on as Sallie and Martin battle it out over favorite computing platforms. Are you a Mac or a PC or does it even matter anymore? Tune in to WELSTech to find out. You’ll also hear from WELSTech listeners about everything from free sheet music to Twitter chats. Let the tech-in-ministry goodness begin!

The discussion:

Platform Power – Which computing platform is best is the topic de jour on WELSTech as Martin and Sallie explore the strengths of each of the front runners in terms of ministry usage. Should your church be a Mac or PC?

Ministry Resources:

  • (22:55) Jim Baur from Christ in Baxter, MN recommends Free-Scores.com
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will ll be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Listener Reviews:

Tech tips:

  • (29:56) Generating secure passwords from LastPass
  • Dual monitors

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(52:51) Episode 317 – Giving thanks for tech-in-ministry is the discussion topic Martin and Sallie will tackle next week. (Release date – 11/26/13)

Music download:

(53:22) This week only, download a free music single from WELS artist Kevin Loersch – Now the Light Has Gone Away – Arranged by Kevin Loersch

Get involved:

315 – Looking At Our Screens

Tune in to this episode of WELSTech for a discussion of chapter 5 of the current WELSTech book selection, The Shallows, an interview with Pastor Jared Oldenburg, author of the Who Is Jesus? iBook and details on a Christmas video contest being held on the Bread for Beggars website.

The discussion:

New media via the Net – Martin and Sallie discuss chapter 5 of Nicholas Carr’s book, The Shallows, focusing on the changes that have taken place in media as it is webified as well as the results on our ways of thinking.

The interview:

(13:36) The Author Speaks – Pastor Jared Oldenburg from Eternal Rock in Castle Rock, CO talks with Martin and Sallie about his role in authoring the Who Is Jesus? book for iPad.

Listener Reviews:

(27:03) Share your review of software, hardware or web sites which assist with your personal or professional ministry efforts, and you will be entered to win a Nexus 7 tablet. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Ministry Resources:

  • (28:15) Free Bible Images of Christmas
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will ll be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

  • (30:23) Keyboard shortcuts for new tabs and windows
    • New tab – Control+T
    • Reopened the last tab closed – Control+Shift+T
    • New Window – Control+N
  • The joys of tethering – iOS requirements

Picks of the week:

WELS.net feature:

(43:01) Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary will celebrate their 150th anniversary with festival worship on November 17 at 3 and 7 p.m. Tune in for live streaming of the 3 p.m. service.

Of interest:

(44:21) Bread for Beggars Christmas Video Contest

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(55:03) Episode 316 – Martin and Sallie square off as they debate the pros and cons of their favorite platforms – Mac vs. PC and Android vs. iOS. (Release date – 11/19/13)

Music download:

(55:44) This week only, download a free music single from WELS musician Patrick Watson (www.reverbnation.com/#!/patwatsonproject) – Joy

Get involved:

314 – Sometimes You Don’t Need A Kleenex

Jason Schmidt returns to WELSTech for another season of educational technology guest host appearances, and this week the topic is interactive whiteboard options. Martin and Sallie chime in with their usual tips, picks and community feedback round up. Plus this week you’ll want to grab the free Reformation instrumental download from Timothy Moke.

The discussion:

Interactive Whiteboards – SMART Boards may be the industry standard for interactive whiteboards (IWB), but they aren’t the only player on the field. Guest host Jason Schmidt joins Martin and Sallie for our edtech discussion of IWB alternatives.

The interview:

(16:30) Mimio Teach Bar – Tim Franke, a territory manager for Mimio, chats with Martin and Sallie about the versatile Mimio Teach Bar which transforms an existing whiteboard into a cost-effective solution for interactive whiteboard technology.

Ministry Resources:

  • (29:10) 23 Church Podcast Ideas
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will ll be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

(49:55) Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary will celebrate their 150th anniversary with festival worship on November 17 at 3 and 7 p.m. Tune in for live streaming of the 3 p.m. service.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(56:14) Episode 315 – Martin and Sallie continue the discussion of our current WELSTech book discussion, The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr. Read along with us as we discuss chapter 5. (Release date – 11/12/13)

Music download:

(56:51) This week only, download a free music single from WELS musician Timothy Moke (www.jeanninedennis.com/moke/) – A Mighty Fortress

Get involved:

313 – What’s In The Bag?

We’re talking tech-in-ministry as usual on WELSTech this week, but the conversation is extra special since Martin and Sallie are in the same location for today’s recording. Tune in for a multitude of tips and tricks as well as techie travel recommendations, a special flyover video, and a free music download from a new WELS artist.

The discussion:

Live from the CMM – It’s rare that the WELSTech Podcast team is together for recording in the same location, so today’s show is a real treat. Watch as Martin and Sallie dig through their travel bags to share their must-have techie gadgets for going on the road.

Ministry Resources:

Listener Reviews:

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

 

Coming up on WELSTech:

(46:52) Episode 314 – It’s edtech week on WELSTech as Martin and Sallie are joined by our semi-regular guest host, Jason Schmidt, and we talk about alternatives to SMART Boards. (Release date – 11/05/13)

Music download:

(47:35) This week only, download a free music single from WELS artists Chris Driesbach (chrisdriesbach.com) and Stephen Bautista (www.stephenbautistamusic.com) – Just A Nobody

Get involved: