Feb
3
Written by:
host
2/3/2009 7:00 AM
Let's face it...technology can be a challenge to implement if you aren't blessed with the spiritual gift of knowing how to manipulate electrons! I have heard many a Christian educator say that they are not comfortable with setting up and using many contemporary technology tools, particularly when there are lots of wires to hook up and buttons to push. There have been many times when I've had to help university professors—who do PowerPoint presentations all the time—make their computer work with the projector in my church. And yes, I too struggle from time to time when it comes to technology (though my struggles tend to be with HTML, ASP, and other computer languages!)
In the Dummies series of books that have been written on just about every topic imaginable (I'm reading two of them currently) the emphasis is upon simplicity and straightforward approaches to solutions. If you're among the large group of Christian educators who struggle to get the cables connected to the correct In and Out connectors, here's my (bookless) "Dummies guide to video projection."
1. Get a teenager to do it for you. Find one or two youth in your church who love to work with equipment, and let them be responsible for setting up, caring for, and troubleshooting classroom technology. They'll feel useful and important, and you'll feel at ease because that task is off your shoulders.
2. Want to finally learn the basics? There are great websites devoted to teaching you, in simple terms, how to understand and use technology. Or, this book (which could be, but is not, in the Dummies series) is really perfect if you love to learn by reading the tried-and-true technology of print-on-paper.
3. Buy the simplest multipurpose equipment you can find. Recently, one trend in projectors has been the release of all-in-one systems that combine DVD, projector, and speakers (with an option for plugging a computer, iPod, or other item in separately.) I have used (and really like) the Optoma series of projectors; they are lightweight, fairly powerful, easily transportable, and very simple to use. Also popular are those in the Epson MovieMate series. And the price on these—especially when purchased used—is extremely reasonable.
There are so many ways to use video in your church. If you're still uncomfortable using video projectors, there's no better time like the present to learn the things you wish you knew!
~ Tim Gossett