Episode 022 – Jun 4 2008

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This week Martin and Sallie discuss the importance of web site statistics and how they can be used to make your site a more effective communication tool. We also hear about the recent redesign of the ShopWELS web site from program administrator Mark Robinson.

The discussion:

The interview:

  • shopwels.jpgShopWELS (17:43) – Martin and Sallie talk with Mark Robinson, administrator of the ShopWELS program, about the redesign of the ShopWELS web site and the many cost-saving options that make up the program.

The tidbits:

  • This week’s picks (39:48)
  • WELS.net feature (46:37)
  • Community feedback (48:21)
    • Gail Potratz from Emanuel, New London, WI asked about Emergency-911 dialing on Internet wireless phones
    • John Shoosmith from Redeemer, Yakima, WA shared information on adding closed-captioning to Internet video sermons.
      • View a closed-captioned sermon
      • John’s closed-captioning tool recommendation – Subtitle Workshop

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com) – I Will Sing from his Climb the Mountain CD (52:30)

Get involved:

Episode 021 – May 28 2008

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This week Martin and Sallie welcome back our semi-regular classroom technology correspondent, Gail Potratz, and we focus our discussion on the changing classroom environment as teachers adjust to accommodate today’s digital learners.

The discussion:

  • Digital Learners (01:55) – Listen as Gail, Martin and Sallie discuss the challenges of teaching a generation of students whose brains are wired differently due to the influence of technology on their lives from birth.  You’ll hear practical tips for teachers to engage these students by integrating technology into the classroom

The tidbits:

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of In His Service featuring WELS musicians Dr. Patricia Backhaus and Valerie Floeter (www.adagioconcepts.com) – I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say from their In His Time CD (36:38)

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Episode 020 – May 21 2008

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This week Martin and Sallie share some basic how-to information for getting started in the world of web video streaming. Also you’ll hear about one teacher’s adventure in the world of music technology.

The discussion:

  • Web Streaming – The high point of streaming video services for WELS is graduation season. So what better time of year for Martin and Sallie to discuss the variety of hardware and software options for streaming and share their recommendations for getting started.

The interview:

  • Dale WitteMusic Technology (16:49)- Dale Witte, Choir Director at Winnebago Lutheran Academy (WLA) in Fond du Lac, WI, joins Martin and Sallie to discuss what he’s teaching in music technology class and how it is supplying the church with “virtual” musicians.

The tidbits:

  • This week’s picks (37:07)
  • WELS.net feature (46:23)
    • Worship Helps – www.wels.net/jump/worshiphelps
  • Of interest (47:57)
    • Upcoming live events – WLS graduation and call services
  • Community feedback (48:44)

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of Kevin Loersch – Mary Did You Know from his CD titled O Holy Night (52:18)

Get involved:

Episode 019 – May 14 2008

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This week the discussion topic and interview center around the fairly recent availability and use of video conferencing tools to further ministry efforts.

The discussion:

  • Video Conferencing (4:15) – Martin and Sallie explore video conferencing, an emerging and flatening technology which allows congregations, schools and missionaries to connect across sometimes great distances for real-time, virtual face-to-face conversations, meetings, Bible classes and more. And it can be done for FREE!

The interview:

  • Dan NommensenDistance Video Counseling (18:00)- Martin and Sallie are joined by Dan Nommensen, Program Operations Director for Wisconsin Lutheran Child & Family Services (WLCFS), to discuss their use of video assisted counseling, a part of the Member Assistance Program.

The tidbits:

  • This week’s picks (33:45)
  • WELS.net feature (40:09)
    • World Mission Blogs – missions.wels.net
  • Of interest (43:00)
    • Upcoming live events – MLC & WLS graduation and call services
    • District Conventions – www.wels.net/jump/diconventions
    • Report to the Twelve Districts – www.wels.net/jump/rttd
  • Community feedback (44:45)
    • Kyle Riess – Sound quality and show ideas
    • Cindy Krueger – New show notification
      1. Subscribe to our RSS feed

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of WendySue Fluegge (www.wendysue.com) – Teach Me from her CD titled The Instrument (47:25)

Get involved:

Episode 018 – May 7 2008

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This week Martin and Sallie reveal the results of the inaugural WELSTech listener contest. Our listeners shared some great free software tools, and we give a mini-tour of several of the titles submitted. Listen to hear if you are the winner of a 1 GB thumb drive.

The discussion:

  • WELSTech ContestTop Free Software Tools Listener Contest – Martin and Sallie explore ten of the user software submissions (6:40) and pick a winner in the listener contest (43:45). Listen to see if you are the winner and contact us at [email protected] to claim your prize!

The tidbits:

  • This week’s picks (43:45)
  • WELS.net feature (50:45)
    • Fifth Pew from the Front – Video Bible study series
      • www.fifthpew.com
      • Watch on Streams
  • Community feedback (53:23)
    • Pastor Stephen Daley from St. John’s in Riga, MI shared information on his many uses of Linux and Open Source software
    • Pastor Tim Wagner from Abiding Peace in Elgin, IL suggested we dedicate a podcast to the technology of MIDI music
    • Dr. Jim Grunwald of Martin Luther College suggested we enhance our show notes with time markers to make the audio content easier to index. Check out the new time stamps in today’s show notes, and let us know what you think.
  • Of interest (57:25)
    • Upcoming streamed services from MLC and WLS

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of contemporary WELS band Koine (www.koinemusic.com) – Now Rest Beneath Night’s Shadow from their Koine II CD (58:53)

Get involved:

Episode 017 – Apr 30 2008

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This week Martin and Sallie are joined by guest host Gail Potratz, a WELS teacher from New London, WI. We’ll explore classroom podcasting ideas which allow students to share their faith with a global audience. We also wrap up our interview with Gonzalo Delgadillo on the exciting Internet outreach in which he is involved.

The discussion:

  • Gail PotratzClassroom Podcasting – Gail Potratz, Technology Coordinator for Emanuel Lutheran Growth and Learning Center in New London, WI, joins the WELSTech conversation to discuss a fun podcasting project the students at Emanuel are producing – Devotions for Kids, by Kids. We are excited to announce that Gail will be joining us each month as a guest host on the WELSTech Podcast to share her ideas about technology as it applies particularly to the classroom ministry.
    • Monthly Emanuel Kids Devotion
    • Garage Band
    • Audacity
    • WebTools4U2Use > Audio & Podcasting
    • Apple > Podcasting in Education Video Series

The interview:

  • Internet Outreach – In the second part of our interview with Gonzalo Delgadillo, Director of Spanish Publications for WELS Multi-Language Publications, we hear some exciting stories of real people being reached with God’s saving Word via the Internet. Gonzalo discusses the technology behind the online Bible classes and worship he is conducting.

The tidbits:

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the piano music of Dawn Gelhlar – Beautiful Savior with Canon in D from her Inspirations CD

Get involved:

Episode 016 – Apr 23 2008

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Joining Martin and Sallie on the show this week is Jeremy Bakken from the Youth Discipleship office.  The show focus is Internet evangelism, with lots of resources and ideas to assist the electronic outreach efforts of your congregation or school.

The discussion:

  • Internet Evangelism Day – April 27th has been designated Internet Evangelism Day.  Today we explore Internet evangelism tips, including several WELS resources that can assist you in sharing the gospel message via the Internet.

The interview:

  • Gonzalo DelgadilloInternet Outreach – Martin and Sallie are joined by Gonzalo Delgadillo, Director of Spanish Publications for WELS Multi-Language Publications, to learn about the exciting multi-continent Internet-based outreach opportunities that Gonzalo is spearheading.

The tidbits:

  • This week’s picks
  • WELS.net feature
    • KidsConnection.tv
  • Of interest
    • Japan 50th Anniversary Worship Celebration – Live on streams.wels.net
      • April 29, 2008
      • 9:00 p.m. Central
    • WELSTech ContestWELSTech Listener Contest
  • Community feedback

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Revelation music ministry (www.revelationwlc.com) – Roll the Stone Away from their We Walk By Faith CD

Get involved:

Episode 015 – Apr 16 2008

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This week Martin and Sallie share information on free Linux-based operating systems and software solutions which may be used in school computer labs.

The interview:

The tidbits:

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of Michael Schroeder (www.michaelschroeder.com) – John 3:16 from his CD titled A Witness

Get involved:

Episode 014 – Apr 9 2008

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This week Martin and Sallie explore all avenues of search including specialized Internet searches, search engine optimization, and turning your Internet searches into dollars for your church or school.

The discussion:

  • Search – We’ve dedicated this show to all things search. Listen as Martin and Sallie share tips on taking your search capabilities to the next level. We cover everything from searches for kids to searching for images, from search engine optimization tips to setting up automatic search notifications. Martin even throws in some lagniappe about one of his favorite authors along the way.

The interview:

  • GoodSearch.comGoodSearch – JJ Ramberg, co-founder of GoodSearch.com, joins Martin and Sallie to share information on the history of GoodSearch and how the service can benefit your charitable organization.

The tidbits:

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com) – Cling from his Run Boy Run CD

Get involved:

Episode 013 – Apr 2 2008

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This week Martin and Sallie discuss tools for producing Flash video for the web and interview Missionary Rob Siirila about the use of video conferencing for distance learning. There’s also an exciting announcement about a new WELSTech listener contest.

The discussion:

  • Flash video – The emerging leader for Internet video delivery is Flash. Martin and Sallie share resources to get listeners started producing Flash video for their congregation’s web site.

The interview:

  • Missionary SiirilaVideo conferencing – Martin and Sallie had the opportunity to virtually circumvent the globe and talk with Missionary Rob Siirila about the exciting distance learning work being done via Internet video conferencing at Asia Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong.

The tidbits:

The featured artist:

  • In His Service, a trumpet and piano duet of WELS performers Dr. Patricia Backhaus and Valerie Floeter, perform Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow from their fourth CD In Our Hearts – www.adagioconcepts.com

Get involved: