573 – Kids and Commerce

This week WELSTech is all about edtech as Martin and Sallie are joined by Jason Schmidt, and we continue the discussion of Faithfully Connected. Add to that a long list of news, picks, Pinterest ideas, and community feedback, and this episode is brimming with ideas for tech-in-ministry.

The discussion:

Digital commerce – Jason Schmidt, Technology Coordinator for Bennington Public Schools, joins Martin and Sallie to continue our edtech discussion of Faithfully Connected: Integrating Biblical Principles in a Digital World by Ben Boche and Jake Hollatz (available from Concordia Publishing House and Amazon). Chapter two of the book focuses on teaching children a Christian worldview of self-control and contentment in our marketing-driven society.

News in tech:

WELS now:

5 to Thrive podcast

Picks of the week:

Ministry Pinterest resource:

32 Practical Ways to Use Pinterest as an Educator

Community feedback:

Featured videos and more:

A bit of history you may not be aware of …. The History Behind Cntl+Alt+Del, a new addition to the WELSTech Presentation/Teaching Videos Playlist.

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 574 – “Harnessing the Power of Technology – Before it Harnesses You” was the topic of a recent presentation Martin shared at the Men of His Word Conference in Rochester, MN. Tune in for the highlights of this interesting talk. Release date: Wednesday, November 7.

Get involved:

572 – The Myth of Neutral Technology

The WELSTech lineup this week includes an interesting preview of EdTechLead19 from presenter, Dr. Gary Locklair, news about the Gospel Outreach with Media online conference, happening now, and much ado about screen captures!

The interview and discussion:

EdTechLead19 Speaker – Dr. Gary Locklair, Chair of Computer Science at Concordia University Wisconsin, shares a preview of his WELS Education, Technology, and Leadership Summit presentation titled “The Myth of Neutral Technology.”

  • EdTechLead19 early bird registration will be $325
  • Reserve your room at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells. Summit pricing is $159 per night and includes water park passes.

WELS now:

Picks of the week:

Ministry resource:

Community feedback:

Featured videos and more:

Continuing the release day excitement, check out details of Snagit 2019 and watch the reveal video.

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 573 – Mr. Sunshine, Jason Schmidt, returns to WELSTech for a discussion of chapter 2 of Faithfully Connected.  Release date: Wednesday, October 31.

Get involved:

571 – Caring about Campus Ministry

Tune in to WELSTech this week for a look at tech (and non-tech) ways of reaching out to today’s college students. You’ll also hear about the latest Google hardware, tips for using an iPad and Apple TV as a presentation whiteboard, and online training to aid your church and school office. All this, and more, awaits!

The interview and discussion:

Campus Ministry – Martin talks with Pastor Charlie Vannieuwenhoven, chairman of the WELS Campus Ministry Committee, about the history and technology behind outreach to college students.

News in tech:

WELS now:

Picks of the week:

Ministry resource:

Community feedback:

Featured videos and more:

Learn more about the latest product announcements from Google on Let Google Take Over – Tech News Weekly 53.

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 572 – Dr. Gary Locklair joins us to preview his WELS EdTechLead Summit presentation titled “The Myth of Neutral Technology.”  Release date: Wednesday, October 24.

Get involved:

570 – How Private Is Your Data?

This week on WELSTech we continue our discussion of data privacy with a technical look at collecting, sharing and deleting data…as well as encrypting it wherever it may be. There is a new Facebook Group for WELS Teachers interested in tech tools. Finally, Martin shares a great grammar checking Chrome plugin that may take your writing to the next level.

The discussion:

Do you know where your data is? – Martin shares information he’s learned regarding the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which went into effect in May and how data protection and privacy just got a lot more important. Challenge #1 is actually finding all the places your data may live. Download his PowerPoint slide deck to review and share locally.

News in tech:

WELS now:

Picks of the week:

Ministry resource:

Community feedback:

Featured videos and more:

Koine Worship Media gets us in the Reformation spirit with A Mighty Fortress is Our God with Musical Notation. Great for personal or family singalongs.

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 571 – WELS Campus Ministry will be featured next week as new technical tools are available to help students get and stay connected.  Release date: Wednesday, October 17.

Get involved:

569 – Getting Excited About Policies

This week on WELSTech you’ll learn about the three types of tech-related policies that are important for churches and schools in light of recent regulations. WELS Congregational Services has prepared resources to support your Christmas outreach efforts, plus the WELSTech community buzz includes free stock video.

The discussion:

Policy is job one – Martin shares information he’s learned regarding the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which went into effect in May and why churches and schools should be paying attention to their privacy and security policies. Download his PowerPoint slide deck to review and share locally.

News in tech:

WELS now:

C18 Resources – The synod-wide program to reach one million souls this Christmas

Picks of the week:

Ministry resource:

Sample Information Security Policy

Community feedback:

Featured videos and more:

Learn more about Amazon Go and what our future cashier-less shopping experience may be like.

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 570 – The information security discussion continues with a focus on notification, encryption, and forms. Release date: Wednesday, October 10.

Get involved: