273 – The Un-Conference

This week on the WELSTech Podcast learn about EdCamp, a grass-roots, free conference format that is spreading across the country.  Chances are there is an un-conference EdCamp scheduled near you, and on today’s WELSTech you’ll hear about what to expect when you attend.

The interview & discussion:

(3:46) No red jello – Jason Schmidt, Tech Coordinator for Bennington ISD near Omaha, NE, returns to the edtech guest host chair to join Martin and Sallie for a discussion of the EdCamp “un-conference” format.  Emily Dittmar (@MsDittmar on Twitter), a Library Media Specialist in the Marshall, WI public school system and EdCamp organizer, also talks with us about her experience of collaboration and networking among all types of educators and administrators in a relaxed, unplanned structure at EdCamps.

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(49:40) Episode 274 – Next week on WELSTech Martin and Sallie celebrate Digital Learning Day and talk with Jim Grunwald from Martin Luther College and Rich Gurgel from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary about WELS digital education. (Release date – 02/05/13)

The featured artist:

(50:36) We close the podcast with the music of Corban Creek – Home Above

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272 – A Podcasting Podcast

This week WELSTech is all about how to create, produce and distribute podcasts, and we’ve recruited some of our favorite WELS podcasters to aid in the discussion. We set a new record for picks of the week, and there’s a cool new ministry resource and some great advice about web site images to boot!

The discussion:

Podcasting 101 – Pastor Tom Barthel from Christ in Baxter, MN, Philip Wels and Bob Martens join Martin and Sallie for what could be characterized as a robust conversation about podcasting, complete with a Google Hangouts crash to keep things real. Learn tips and tools for creating and sustaining your own podcast.

Ministry resources:

(28:47) PrayrList

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(50:17) Episode 273 – Teachers will want to tune in next week as Jason Schmidt and Emily Dittmar join us for an overview of the EdCamp “un-conference” format. (Release date – 01/29/13)

The featured artist:

(51:07) We close the podcast with the music of Stephen Bautista (www.stephenbautistamusic.com or stephenbautista on Twitter) – Who Will Tell Them

Get involved:

271 – Pinterest, Finally!

This week the WELSTech Podcast is going “all in” with Pinterest, today’s top social network for the visually inclined. Listen for ways to use Pinterest to spread the good news!

The discussion:

A picture is worth … – Listen up ladies as WELSTech takes on the female dominated social network sensation, Pinterest. Martin and Sallie discuss the reasons churches may consider having a Pinterest presence and share ideas for pin boards themes that would work well for churches such as special holidays, inspirational imagery, advocating the church town, and a church events scrapbook.

The interview:

(14:05) Pinning the Good News – Katy Klinnert-Ellison, Creative Marketing Manager at Time of Grace, talks with Martin about the development of their Pinterest page and ideas for congregations who want to use Pinterest for outreach.

News in tech:

(30:41) From the Bible Glo Blog – Notes not appearing and other issues related to the latest release

Picks of the week:

WELS.net Features:

(38:54) New Calendar Desktop Wallpapers from Streams

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(51:41) Episode 272 – Tune in next week as we gather a “Podcasting Posse” including Pastor Tom Barthel, Philip Wels and Bob Martens to talk about how to produce your own podcast to spread the gospel. (Release date – 01/22/13)

The featured artist:

(52:25) This week we close with the instrumental music of flutist Jeannine Dennis – Celebration Medley

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270 – Keep It Simple in 2013

This week as we begin the 6th year of the WELSTech Podcast we look at reasons for simplifying presentations. We also share loads of great ministry resources, WELS.net finds and picks, plus a ton of terrific finds from WELSTech listeners.

The discussion:

A Story of Fresh Fish – Martin and Sallie kick off their sixth year of podcasting with the continuing discussion of the current WELSTech book selection, Presentation Zen, by Garr Reynolds. Chapter 5 of the book, titled “Simplicity: Why It Matters,”  looks at the benefits of simple, uncluttered slide design which communicates subtle, elegant messages.

Ministry resources:

Picks of the week:

WELS.net Features:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(51:55) Episode 271 -Is there a place for the popular social image sharing site Pinterest in your ministry communication plan? Martin poses this important question and Sallie enjoys the response! (Release date – 01/15/13)

The featured artist:

(53:16) We close with the WELSTech debut of WELS musician and staff minister Benhur Khamrang (Reverbnation) – Amazing Grace

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269 – 7 Best Picks of 2012

This week WELSTech welcomes 2013 with a countdown of Martin & Sallie’s 7 Best Picks of the Year 2012. How many of these hardware, software, web and mobile apps do you use?

The discussion:

Best of the Best – To kick off the new year, Martin and Sallie share their annual picks of the year for 2012 in “7 Best” style.

Sallie’s Picks

  1. Pomodoro Productivity | Focus Time app
  1. Raspberry Pi
  1. Logitech Tablet Keyboard for iPad
  1. FreeBibleImages.org
  1. MathCounts
  1. Pinterest
  1. PicMonkey

Martin’s Picks

  1. Camtasia Studio
  1. Samsung Galaxy S III
  1. Google 2-Step Verification
  1. Google Drive
  1. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad
  1. Presentation Zen
  1. Google Hangouts

Coming up on WELSTech:

(43:48) Episode 270 – Join Martin and Sallie for the start of year 6 of WELSTech and chapter 5 of our WELSTech book discussion of Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds. (Release date – 01/08/13)

The featured artist:

Get involved: