109 – Reaching The Technophobe

This week on the WELSTech podcast Martin and Sallie discuss ideas for reaching out to the non-techies in your congregation.

The discussion:

Tackling tech fears – Has your congregation considered offering TSL classes – “Tech as a Second Language”?  Martin and Sallie explain how patience and communication are key factors in turning technophobes into digital consumers.

• Welcome to the Web – Great Internet and computer basics lessons, kid-friendly but helpful for adults too!
• Wikipedia defines technophobia and technophilia
• For the teachers … A Few Simple Ways To Introduce Reluctant Colleagues To Technology

The interview:

(16:06) Technology Malawi-Style – Missionary Paul Nitz joins Martin and Sallie from Lilongwe, Malawi to talk about the blessings and challenges of mission work Africa, and how technology is helping.

• Learn more about mission work in Malawi from the Missions blog

Ministry resources:

(36:04) Thanks to Nancy Thompson from Victory of the Lamb in Franklin, WI for tweeting several Christmas worship media giveaways:

• Worship House Media – 12 Days of Christmas
• Centerline Media – Daily freebies
• Muddy River Media – Christmas giveaways and an excellent $10 media package
• Tips for formatting video clips

Picks of the week:

• (40:55) Build a $100 Document Reader – a Do-It-Yourself dream!
• Foxit Phantom – a PDF Swiss Army Knife

Community feedback:

• (46:24) Gail Potratz from Emanuel in New London, WI and Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE shared great resources using #WELSTech on Twitter:
  • Apture.com – add multimedia to your site with one click
  • The power of the PLN (Personal Learning Network)
• Dan Nommensen from Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Family Services is looking for tips for his e-newsletter.  Check out
  • The Newsletter Newsletter
  • Try MailChimp for free – Learn how from WELSTech episode 089 BWTG: e-News with MailChimp
• Martin’s Glo Bible demo video is a hit!
• Mark Helman from Twinfinity Creations has the music of Susan Ann and continues to learn from WELSTech!
• Julie Duran, WELS webmaster, shared additional RSS resources for our WELSTech Wiki RSS page

Coming up on WELSTech:

(57:18) Episode 110 – Our discussion of Shane Hipps’ The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture continues with chapter 2: Perceiving The Powers That Shape Us. (Release date 12/16/09)

The featured artist:

(58:12) This week we close with the piano music of Dawn Gehlhar – O Little Town of Bethlehem from her “Christmas Dreams” CD

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