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Brainstorming is a powerful but underutilized tool in Christian ministry, education, and in the body of Christ in general. This article gives practical guidance for moderating a secular brainstorming session. What solutions might we Christians discover when we steep our hearts and minds in God's Word, prayerfully gather, inviting the Creator-Spirit to open our eyes and minds to see the creative opportunies which God's challenges ("obstacles") occasion.

Understanding our habits and those of others . . How might Christians and churches better use life events, like pregnancies, as opportunities for the Gospel? Target figures out who's pregnant to influence their buying habits. How might we "gentle as dove wise as serpent" ambassadors of Christ act and speak to make the most of opportunities to present the best free offer every conceived . . . salvation? Note that the article is a plug for the author's full length treatment of "habits".

Simple clear presentation of why businesses (and churches, schools) should care about promoting and monitoring their reputation (i.e. "brand") in social media. What was it they say about "word of mouth" . . Social Media is today's high tech "word of mouth" at warp speed.

Gates Foundation article about Edusurge.com which aggregates and shifts through the effectiveness and utility of emerging classroom educational technologies.

Finally! A book aimed at helping non-profits identify usable communication strategies for social media engage based on case studies (i.e. examples). Many congregations and schools forget to sets goals and plan for internal and external communications and nurture let alone plug into the potential of social media to grow the kingdom of the Lord. As I recall, "Engage!" isn't simply the command of a fictional Star Trek captain, it's the command of the real Captain of the stars . . .

Excellent short article with essential IT management concerns and strategies for colleges and other non-profits, including  our synod, high schools, schools and, yes, churches. The same key questions and communication activities need to take place. The upfront costs of an IT system are only the beginning. The costs over the lifetime of the system (even a single computer with software) need to be included and budgeted. 

One Room School advantages which Christian school teachers and champions need to herald. Bookmark and read this NYTimes article. Teacher student relationships are more important to effective learning than physical resources. Are our classroom strategies still based on the Prussian model? or are we leveaging the strengths and wisdom of the One Room School?

Beta version released of video meeting software enabling more than 10 individuals to interact.

TED talks/videos can be a great source of free classroom or individual student enrichment. Naturally, use with caution. TED materials are typically most appropriate for upper grade levels, but expecially visual presentations could be repurposed for the lower grade levels.

What to learn from Steve Jobs even though he was clearly an abusive jerk.

Some research suggests that on-line reading (and learning) is not as memorable as reading hard copy. Learning strategies will need to be adjusted.

10 good ideas to teach our students. Includes some links.