611 – iBullying

This week we welcome Jason Schmidt back to WELSTech for a classroom technology conversation on the latest version of status symbol bullying. We also talk with Justin Liepert about Google Administration. There’s device news, a slick update to the WELS online Yearbook, and church homepage advice along with picks of the week and an amazing theme song for the new school year. Listen up!

The discussion:

Classroom technology chat – Jason Schmidt returns to the co-host chair as our semi-regular classroom technology correspondent and brings his own flavor of Wisconsin sunshine to the podcast. He’s the Instructional Technology Coach for Oconto Falls School District.

This week we’re talking about tech-flavored bullying, which is simply a new version of the status symbol envy which we experienced for Air Jordan or Ralph Lauren clothing in the past.

The interview:

Google Administration – Justin Liepert, Technology Coordinator at Winnebago Lutheran Academy, shares highlights from his summer EdTechLead19 sectional on Google Administration.

News in tech:

WELS now:

Learn more about Lutheran School’s Ministerial Growth and Evaluation process at many of the upcoming Teachers’ Conferences

Picks of the week:

Ministry resource:

WELS Online Yearbook now has District, Conference, and Circuit info on Churches and Schools

Community feedback:

Featured video:

Enjoy More Than a Conqueror, the theme song for this year at Immanuel Lutheran School in Greenville, WI, written and performed by Pastor Jeremy Mattek and Joey Schumann.

Get involved:

610 – The Word And Your Photos

This cat-friendly WELSTech school-year season opener marks the return of our extended format, including news in tech, WELS now, and ministry resources. We’re talking about apps for creating verse images, updates to the Google Lectionary Calendar, and church video connections. Plus, we are happy to welcome Dr. Tom Kuster to the conversation as he shares details on an extended-reality-in-ministry project!

The discussion:

Sample Bible Lens verse image featuring Mia Draper – Click to view larger

Create verse images – A smartphone can fill a key role in church, school, and personal communication efforts. Martin and Sallie discuss the many apps that make it easy to create images with Bible text overlaid, perfect for sharing on social media.

The interview:

How can XR technology be used to serve the Lord? – Dr. Tom Kuster from the Christ in Media Institute shares details on their current XR (extended reality) Project and Festival and how schools can get involved. The first 10 schools to sign up will receive a $200 Oculus-GO VR headset to further their research.

News in tech:

The Google Lectionary Calendar has been updated with the next three church years! Learn more on the WELSTech Wiki.

WELS now:

WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership – Register now for early bird pricing

Picks of the week:

Ministry resource:

WELSTech Challenge Album – Search flickr using WELSTechPhotoChallenge

Community feedback:

Featured video:

This week we feature a double-header of congregation “Connection” video examples. First up is the Fall 2019 Good Shepherd Connect from Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls, SD.

And second is the September 2019 Pilgrim Connection from Pilgrim, Menomonee Falls, WI.

Get involved: