Here are some productive ways to use technology in Youth Ministry.
Using technology to COMMUNICATE more effectively
- Texting
- Websites
- Mailchimp for sending email updates
- Posting blogs using WordPress, Blogger, etc.
Using technology to CONNECT for each other
- Deepening community through Facebook groups, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.
- Sharing photos of events and activities via Dropbox, Flickr, Instagram, Photodex, Smilebox, Snapchat, etc.
Using technology to COLLABORATE on events & projects
- Managing events and projects using Base camp, Google Docs, Evernote, etc.
- Gathering feedback and data from people via online polling such as Survey Monkey, Constant Contact, etc.
- Using Free Conference Call, Skype, FaceTime or Google Hangout in lieu of face-to-face meetings.
- Storing and sharing documents via Boxy, Dropbox, Google Docs, iCloud, Skydrive, Sugarsync, etc.
- Using Signup Genius, Eventbrite, Cvent to manage registrations and donated items.
- Using Google Calendar to share schedules among, staff, boards and all members.
- Using Square, PayPal or Google Checkout to receive payments.
Using technology to EQUIP people with a life-shaping faith
- Provide live and recorded trainings through platforms such as Adobe Connect, Go To Meeting, Slideshare and Webex.
- Using Videos from Godtube, Vimeo, Youtube to support and train people.
- Creating slideshows and movie clips to celebrate ministry activities, train leaders and and highlight ways the congregation is living into its mission (iMovie, Photodex, Smilebox, etc.)
Using mobile phone/tablet apps to manage workflow (iOS & Android apps)
- Creating and managing blogs (WordPress & Blogger)
- Video conferencing (Facetime or Skype)
- Store documents and confidential information (Dropbox, Google Docs, mSecure, Sugarsync, etc.)
- Faith Formation (Vibrant Faith at Home, FaithTalk Series, sermon.net)
- iLife/Work Suite (Garage Band, iMovie, Keynote, Numbers, Pages) and Office 365
- Listen to books, news or podcasts (Audiobooks, Audible, iCatcher, Umano)
- View or share photos (Dropbox, Flickr, Instagram, Snapchat, PhotoCard)
- Project Management (Base camp or Google Docs)
- Read the Bible (CCEL NRSV, Glo Bible, )
- Read books and magazines (iBooks, Kindle, Oyster, TED books, Zinio)
- Social Media (Facebook, Google+. Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.)
- Video (Godtube, Wingclips , Vimeo,)
- Emailing and texting (Group Email and GroupText, Messenger)
- Training Platforms (Adobe Connect, Go To Meeting, Slideshare, Webex)
- Travel (Expedia, Weather, Maps, Google Maps, Fly Delta, National Geographic Parks)
- Personal utilities (Duolingo, Pedometer, Recordium, mSecure, Passbook)