WELSTech Audio
WELSTech explores the use of technology to further the spread of the gospel. This show is sponsored by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
All Episodes
750 – A Season of SAMR
<a href="https://welstech.wels.net/2025/05/17/750-a-season-of-samr/" rel="nofollow"></a> <p>The WELSTech co-hosts for all things edtech are driving this episode as we wrap up our SAMR focus with how it assists education leaders. We also introduce the AI Assessment Scale, a tool for clearly stating acceptable levels of AI use. Rachel has new headphones for “weird” ears that don’t like earbuds, and Jason shares a tool that uses AI to create individual student feedback. Bonus: It’s also a time-saver for teachers.</p> <p></p> The discussion <p>SAMR and Leadership – We close out our season-long look at the <a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-integration" rel="nofollow">SAMR framework for education technology integration</a> with our favorite edtech gurus, Dr. Rachel Renno, Director of Academic Computing for <a href="https://mlc-wels.edu" rel="nofollow">Martin Luther College</a>, and Jason Schmidt, Director of Technology for <a href="https://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/" rel="nofollow">Oshkosh (WI) Area School District</a>. School leaders may find policy creation and maintenance challenging, but policies are definitely worth the effort as they provide needed structure to make decision making easier. And while a dedicated AI policy may not be needed, incorporating AI guidelines into standard policies – Acceptable Use, Academic Integrity, Data Privacy, etc. – is wise.</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/advancing-artificial-intelligence-education-for-american-youth/" rel="nofollow">Advancing AI Education for American Youth</a> Executive Orders – April 23, 2025</li> <li>Jason’s Google Deep research results on <a href="https://g.co/gemini/share/6cd450fb2438" rel="nofollow">AI in WELS Schools</a></li> <li><a href="https://leonfurze.com/2024/08/28/updating-the-ai-assessment-scale/" rel="nofollow">AI Assessment Scale</a> – Build transparency around the use of AI</li> </ul> Ministry resource <ul> <li><a href="https://mailchi.mp/leonfurze/aias" rel="nofollow">Free AI Assessment Scale eBook</a> by Leon Fruze – Over 50 assessment ideas</li> </ul> Picks of the week <ul> <li><a href="https://shokz.com/pages/openrun" rel="nofollow">Shokz</a> – Bone conduction open-ear headphones</li> <li><a href="https://snorkl.app/" rel="nofollow">Snorkl</a> – AI student feedback</li> </ul> Next time <ul> <li>Pastor Nate Seiltz from WELS Multi-Language Productions shares stories of AI music creation.</li> </ul> Get involved <ul> <li>Add comments</li> <li>Send us an e-mail <a href="mailto:welstech@wels.net" rel="nofollow">welstech@wels.net</a></li> <li>Join the WELSTech community: <ul> <li>WELSTech <a href="https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/forum/#!forum/welstech" rel="nofollow">Google Group</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WELSTech" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://pinterest.com/welstech/" rel="nofollow">Pinterest</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="https://instagram.com/welstechpodcast/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Add to the WELSTech wiki <a href="http://welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net/" rel="nofollow">welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net</a></li> <li>Contribute to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WELSTech&src=typd" rel="nofollow">#WELSTech</a> Twitter conversation</li> <li>Follow us on Twitter – <a href="http://twitter.com/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/mspriggs" rel="nofollow">mspriggs</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/salliedraper" rel="nofollow">salliedraper</a></li> <li>Share with the Diigo group <a href="http://groups.diigo.com/group/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a></li> </ul>728 – Summer Tech Talks – Joel Prange
<a href="https://welstech.wels.net/2024/07/01/728-summer-tech-talks-joel-prange/" rel="nofollow"></a> <p>WELSTech is celebrating summer with a series of tech-in-ministry interviews called “Summer Tech Talks.” This week we head west to the oil country of western North Dakota to talk with Pastor Joel Prange about starting a home mission church. Turn up the audio as Martin and Sallie both have sound-related picks of the week. In addition, there’s an opportunity to support a missions-centric videography effort.</p> <p></p> The discussion & interview <p>Getting to know North Dakota – Home Missions Pastor Joel Prange talks with Martin and Sallie about his two-year journey starting a new congregation in Dickinson, North Dakota. <a href="https://amazinggracend.com/" rel="nofollow">Amazing Grace Lutheran Church</a> is worshipping in their own space and reaching out to the people in the area.</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.planningcenter.com/" rel="nofollow">Planning Center</a> & <a href="https://www.planningcenter.com/church-center" rel="nofollow">Church Center</a></li> <li><a href="https://stripe.com/lp/payments/ps_01?utm_content=79302483644910" rel="nofollow">Stripe</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DJI-Microphone-Intelligent-Cancelling-Recording/dp/B0CFZX734J?hvadid=80195819688485&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583795284615564" rel="nofollow">DJI Mic2</a></li> </ul> Picks of the week <ul> <li><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18XH5shOcYjh8KdttclQm52uHp4MdTIqA5EJ1dZFKuO0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">Sallie’s Summer PD Bingo Board</a> from Ditch That Textbook <ul> <li><a href="https://suno.com/" rel="nofollow">Suno</a> – AI song composer <ul> <li><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKaqAMTua31_nCgz7VWx9kENDBhIQXb4Zhk1j76jMVSFBRjg/viewform" rel="nofollow">Suno Teacher’s Program</a></li> <li>Check out the two versions of the WELSTech Radio song it generated. Which is your favorite?</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <a href="https://welstech.blob.core.windows.net/audio/Videos/WELSTech-Radio1.mp4" rel="nofollow">https://welstech.blob.core.windows.net/audio/Videos/WELSTech-Radio1.mp4</a> <p> </p> <a href="https://welstech.blob.core.windows.net/audio/Videos/WELSTech-Radio2.mp4" rel="nofollow">https://welstech.blob.core.windows.net/audio/Videos/WELSTech-Radio2.mp4</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.epidemicsound.com" rel="nofollow">Epidemic Sound</a></li> </ul> Community feedback & events <ul> <li>We have an opportunity to support “Christ in media” through support of videographer Colin Neville as he spends two years in Thailand with Friends Network, telling the stories of various missions through video. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKaqAMTua31_nCgz7VWx9kENDBhIQXb4Zhk1j76jMVSFBRjg/viewform" rel="nofollow">Learn more</a> and <a href="https://www.friendsnet.org/colin" rel="nofollow">support Colin’s work</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://gamma.app" rel="nofollow">gamma.app</a></li> </ul> Next time <p>Summer Tech Talks continue, but mums the word on who will be behind the extra mic. Tune in to find out!</p> Get involved <ul> <li>Add comments</li> <li>Send us an e-mail <a href="mailto:welstech@wels.net" rel="nofollow">welstech@wels.net</a></li> <li>Join the WELSTech community: <ul> <li>WELSTech <a href="https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/forum/#!forum/welstech" rel="nofollow">Google Group</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WELSTech" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://pinterest.com/welstech/" rel="nofollow">Pinterest</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="https://instagram.com/welstechpodcast/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Add to the WELSTech wiki <a href="http://welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net/" rel="nofollow">welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net</a></li> <li>Contribute to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WELSTech&src=typd" rel="nofollow">#WELSTech</a> X conversation</li> <li>Follow us on X – <a href="http://twitter.com/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/mspriggs" rel="nofollow">mspriggs</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/salliedraper" rel="nofollow">salliedraper</a></li> <li>Share with the Diigo group <a href="http://groups.diigo.com/group/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a></li> </ul>754 – Photos That Matter
<a href="https://welstech.wels.net/2025/07/10/754-photos-that-matter-2/" rel="nofollow"></a> <p>Tune in to WELSTech 754 for tips and tricks related to church photography. There’s also discussion regarding finding an icon for any need and the effect of AI on mission outreach. Plus the WELSTech Google Group is in the spotlight with lots of great input on the topic of cyber security training.</p> <p></p> The discussion <p>Click, click, click – Martin and Sallie discuss a recent blog post from Concordia Technology Solutions titled <a href="https://africadslive.com/10-tips-for-capturing-impactful-photos-of-church-activities/" rel="nofollow"><em>10 Tips for Capturing Impactful Photos of Church Activities</em></a>.</p> <ul> <li>From Microsoft Copilot AI – <a href="https://welstech.blob.core.windows.net/audio/Tech%20documents/church_photo_release_form.pdf" rel="nofollow">Sample Church Photo Release Form (PDF)</a></li> </ul> Picks of the week <ul> <li><a href="https://thenounproject.com/" rel="nofollow">The Noun Project</a></li> <li><a href="https://connect.frontierventures.org/mission-frontiers/the-impact-of-ai-on-missions" rel="nofollow">The Impact of AI on Missions</a></li> </ul> Community feedback & events <p>Recent conversations in the <a href="https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/forum/#!forum/welstech" rel="nofollow">WELSTech Google Group</a></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/g/welstech/c/crC6Ho3FB14" rel="nofollow">Cyber Security training recommendations</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.knowbe4.com/" rel="nofollow">KnowBe4</a></li> <li><a href="https://niccs.cisa.gov/audience/cybersecurity-k-12-teachers" rel="nofollow">National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.infosecinstitute.com/" rel="nofollow">InfoSec</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cybernut.com/" rel="nofollow">CyberNut</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/g/welstech/c/lLIL-NDwJj0" rel="nofollow">Tech policy around a Called Working exit</a></li> </ul> Next time <p>More tips & tricks to come!</p> Get involved <ul> <li>Add comments</li> <li>Send us an e-mail <a href="mailto:welstech@wels.net" rel="nofollow">welstech@wels.net</a></li> <li>Join the WELSTech community: <ul> <li>WELSTech <a href="https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/forum/#!forum/welstech" rel="nofollow">Google Group</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WELSTech" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://pinterest.com/welstech/" rel="nofollow">Pinterest</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="https://instagram.com/welstechpodcast/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Add to the WELSTech wiki <a href="http://welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net/" rel="nofollow">welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net</a></li> <li>Contribute to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WELSTech&src=typd" rel="nofollow">#WELSTech</a> X conversation</li> <li>Follow us on X – <a href="http://twitter.com/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/mspriggs" rel="nofollow">mspriggs</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/salliedraper" rel="nofollow">salliedraper</a></li> <li>Share with the Diigo group <a href="http://groups.diigo.com/group/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a></li> </ul>736 – Desk Talk
<a href="https://welstech.wels.net/2024/10/25/736-desk-talk/" rel="nofollow"></a> <p>On WELSTech this week we talk about the tech at our fingertips as we reveal our office setups. Additionally, we share gift ideas for welcoming church visitors and new members, an overview of the latest version of Logos which introduces AI into the Bible software, and where to find that wonderful smell of leather.</p> <p></p> The discussion <p>Desk setup – Martin and Sallie share their workspaces and highlight their favorite tools for getting work done.</p> <p><a href="https://welstech.wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241017-Martins-desk-scaled.jpeg" rel="nofollow">Martin’s work desk</a></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015H5MDIO" rel="nofollow">Standing desk</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHFS9K14" rel="nofollow">SSD backup</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK2D3AM/A/magic-trackpad-white-multi-touch-surface" rel="nofollow">Apple Magic Trackpad</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B07NY9ZT92" rel="nofollow">Logitech G915 keyboard</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/computer-monitors/ar/8605" rel="nofollow">Dell monitor</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BB5MBZ9" rel="nofollow">Magnetic cord holder</a></li> <li><a href="https://lumecube.com/products/edge-light-2-0-black-led-desk-lamp" rel="nofollow">Lamp</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="https://welstech.wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241017-Sallies-Desk.jpg" rel="nofollow">Sallie’s work-from-hone desk</a></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-K380-Multi-Device-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B0148NPH9I/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2DJM4YFWGFNEY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uxQBC6JCAWNcHC_Qr5wpF9Vs3-CwpG1mw6i2wL_PjGd0_bY6TdZLCu7AVqE0yrLJ6C1HO_zOJnyDwAzY2F_LEQQJzefff40ZVL-lDT_l1k4tynqmKI5AsaYZlnlnDLc6K50OCw2-DxPECI7G9Mi72d4l_enF3bOfg8N-zGE8P3JLHbwAT6invN0k2Cn_6_fr7FToAGUOUxVxPQp0iWVpT67xs2m3Nrnhsq_j2HYFQr8ZOzKBQQEZRMDw9spOnGXDIUMTxmkuBTrrfJo5nLRNZwrGSNboPS9dpfcEy95NiyI.Ai9eJj1dn8o8AJWrdtue2qgLO_QqwlgQcnyyU46-LAU&dib_tag=se&keywords=logitech+k380+wireless+keyboard&qid=1729872903&s=electronics&sprefix=logitech+k380+wireless+keyboard%2Celectronics%2C114&sr=1-4" rel="nofollow">Logitech K380 keyboard</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Limited-Receiver-Portable/dp/B0CJTFZPQJ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SEapoWNTULq-TGyH-PJOAj5sTJlij3WSalL00BQxMhhKYgkIraJCe6fURzmQfRlHfR9bN03ku1dfzyPb5EC20M3Ey3Pj5fk5a6ktNDbI6x5VXQoRix11lsZtV59gZDw_bZUa9viVgEjhXqS3CPLUhlPIpFL9NBEzKRTx2LQQNlvR8Whxvq7klcLyA5gXMY6OIaZmTfVH8QSho8ah-RCqVk15zFu85SvR4Il9c0zhLLrzqKhwghMiKOPI6FgkGa3B4sG97JExPIM2a8rD4W64ewEX_aAEJYH9kPkOyXnlf4o.MgT39hEQfEJhybgGhdVbLtNzbFmmy1gbqHgW3nFBn9Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=m340+mouse&qid=1729872795&refinements=p_123%3A213704&rnid=85457740011&s=electronics&sr=1-1" rel="nofollow">Logitech M340 silent mouse</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NXR9R22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1" rel="nofollow">Laptop stand</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CKMP34S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1" rel="nofollow">Purple Royal seat cushion</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="https://welstech.wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/MartinHome-scaled.jpeg" rel="nofollow">Martin’s work-from-home desk</a></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XTD5C7H" rel="nofollow">Monitor</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B826KS4B" rel="nofollow">Webcam</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L8MLTGS" rel="nofollow">Moniter arm</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.potterybarn.com/products/architects-usb-task-table-lamp-21/" rel="nofollow">Desk lamp</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/alex-drawer-unit-black-brown-60473548" rel="nofollow">Drawers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Hampton-Bay-5-ft-L-x-30-in-D-Finished-Engineered-Birch-Butcher-Block-Desktop-Countertop-PWBRAB387621524/318686505" rel="nofollow">Desktop</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Design-mStand-Laptop-Patented/dp/B01F01DRW6" rel="nofollow">Computer stand</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HSEZK78" rel="nofollow">Chair</a> & <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G643EU6" rel="nofollow">chair wheels</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q5W52DT" rel="nofollow">Cable management</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/hls-pr40?seid=dxese2" rel="nofollow">Microphone</a> & <a href="https://heilsound.com/product/pl2t/" rel="nofollow">microphone arm</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK293LL/A/magic-keyboard-with-touch-id-for-mac-models-with-apple-silicon-us-english" rel="nofollow">Keyboard</a></li> </ul> Ministry resources <ul> <li><a href="https://reachrightstudios.com/blog/church-welcome-gifts/" rel="nofollow">16 Unique and Thoughtful Church Welcome Gifts</a></li> <li><a href="https://welstech.wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/stPaulGuest.jpg" rel="nofollow">Guest gift table</a> at <a href="https://www.stpaulsnorthmankato.com/" rel="nofollow">St Paul’s, North Mankato, MN</a></li> </ul> Picks of the week <ul> <li>Windows/Start + V for Copy history on PCs</li> <li><a href="https://www.pandora.com/" rel="nofollow">Pandora</a> background music for your workday</li> <li><a href="https://help.nomadgoods.com/en-US/magnetic-leather-back-408856" rel="nofollow">Nomad Magnetic Leather Back</a> for iPhone</li> </ul> Community feedback & events <ul> <li><a href="https://wels.net/event/wels-national-teen-bible-study-2/" rel="nofollow">WELS National Teen Bible Study</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gML345TT8SA" rel="nofollow">The latest iteration of Logos Bible Software</a></li> </ul> Next time <p>Dr. James Carlovsky from Martin Luther College joins the AI conversation.</p> Get involved <ul> <li>Add comments</li> <li>Send us an e-mail <a href="mailto:welstech@wels.net" rel="nofollow">welstech@wels.net</a></li> <li>Join the WELSTech community: <ul> <li>WELSTech <a href="https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/forum/#!forum/welstech" rel="nofollow">Google Group</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WELSTech" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://pinterest.com/welstech/" rel="nofollow">Pinterest</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="https://instagram.com/welstechpodcast/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Add to the WELSTech wiki <a href="http://welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net/" rel="nofollow">welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net</a></li> <li>Contribute to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WELSTech&src=typd" rel="nofollow">#WELSTech</a> X conversation</li> <li>Follow us on X – <a href="http://twitter.com/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/mspriggs" rel="nofollow">mspriggs</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/salliedraper" rel="nofollow">salliedraper</a></li> <li>Share with the Diigo group <a href="http://groups.diigo.com/group/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a></li> </ul>