Technology

Ward and Stake Technology Resources

Our goal is to help others Come Unto Christ as they feel and recognize the spirit by being able to see, hear, and feel the spirit in our Sacrament meetings, in the classroom, at firesides, and in all aspects of worship.

Technology plays a critical role in this effort as we use learn to use online tools, phone apps., media, remote broadcasts and meetings, meetinghouse resources and other technology driven resources.

While these modern and technical tools can be a blessing they can also create some of our most stressful moments when resources are either not available or not working.

Each ward in the stake should have someone who is identified and trained as the Ward Technology Specialist either as their assigned calling or a part of their calling. Their role is to help priesthood leaders and members in the ward become self-reliant in using technology for classrooms and meetings. They will also provide support to priesthood leaders, teachers, and stake History Centers with all of their technology related needs.

Each Building in the Stake has an assigned Stake Technology Specialist who will provide the same level of support for Stake Leaders and Stake events including Stake Conference and Broadcasts. They will also manage any network or Wi-Fi related hardware and networks in the building. In addition, they will support any computer and hardware related needs.

Technology Support includes anything from computers, hardware, software, LDS Tools, LCR, Microphones, microphone and audio support, video projector and TV support, and help with the local Wi-Fi.

Technology Assistance

Let us know how we are doing or if you have any needs. We will do our best to respond as soon as possible. Please submit a Help Desk Ticket for any requests for training, technical support, purchase requests, suggestions, etc. Once submitted, your ward or a Stake Technology Specialist will be in touch shortly to assist.

Submit a Help Desk Ticket from the menu on the left 'Submit Help Desk Ticket', by using the QR Code found inside of your local building or by using this link: Click Here.

Types of Help Desk Tickets

Non-Urgent: You can submit a request for assistance for something that is not urgent.

Urgent: Make an urgent request NOW! Your request will automatically be forwarded to both the Stake Technology Specialist and your local Ward Technology Specialist to help as soon as possible.

Training Request: Request training for you or your organization.
     Common training topics include:
       • Family History and Family Search
       • LDS Tools and Apps
       • Group Presentation Support
       • Remote Broadcasts
       • Using Smart Tv’s

Purchase Request & Recommendations: Make a request to purchase a new computer or other technology related items. You may also submit a recommendation or other suggestion.

Submit Help Desk Ticket

Technology Training

Ward Technology Specialist Duties & Responsibilities (PDF Download)

The following contains useful training tools and an overview of the responsibilities for both Ward and Stake Technology Specialist. Only those with authorized access based on their individual callings will be able to access all of the links.

● Vision for technology use in meetinghouses: “Help others Come Unto Christ as they feel and recognize the spirit by being able to see, hear, and feel the spirit in our Sacrament meetings, in the classroom, at firesides, and in all aspects of worship.” ~Bro. Hunsaker

● Expectations: Work with your Ward Clerk and Bishop to learn about their expectations of you in support of local ward leadership and instruction.

● Meetings to Attend: Stake Quarterly Training

● Report Progress / Issues: Email staketech@renonvstakeinfo.org.

● Asset Lists: Tour your meetinghouse(s) to understand what technology is available and in good repair. Make a list of all technology assets in your ward (clerk's office), building (library) or in other areas of the building.

● Support: Seek advice about how to best set up and support meetings and broadcasts.

● Set up, test, operate, take down, and store equipment for ward or stake conferences, broadcasts, virtual meetings, and other meetings.

● Help priesthood leaders and members become self-reliant in using technology for classrooms and meetings. Provide support to priesthood leaders, teachers, and stake FHCs.

● Troubleshoot equipment problems. For help, contact the Global Service Department (GSD). For FHC equipment problems, contact the FHC Support group.

Zoom Accounts

Zoom Licenses:
In December 2020, the Church announced the availability of one Zoom license for each stake, ward, branch, mission, and district. Local units are encouraged to use the Church-provided Zoom licenses as needed for church related use only. The Zoom license provided by the Church represents significant cost savings to the Church and includes additional functionality. Please do not purchase or use ward funds to purchase a separate zoom account.

Each license provides the ability to host meetings, webinars, and remote training including the use of break out rooms. There is also no limit on the length of the meeting that can be held.

Please consult with your ward or stake Technology Specialist who can assist in setting up and provide any remote meetings or broadcast needs. The Bishop or Stake President must approve the remote broadcasting of all baptisms, funerals, Firesides, and Sacrament Meetings. Consult with the Church Handbook of Instructions on additional guidelines related to remote broadcasting of any type of Sacred Ordinance.

Remote Meeting Security Policies:
Caution should be followed when setting up any remote meeting and displaying the link via the Stake website. This opens up the potential for others to join the meeting who may not be invited. The Stake President or Bishop should approve when the meeting invite is shared online in any format.

Webinars: Leaders and Technology Specialists should use the Zoom Webinar feature for all remote broadcasts of any meeting not requiring the participation of the remote participants.

Zoom Meetings:
When using the Zoom Meeting, additional security settings should be used to prevent unwanted participants from logging into more confidential or sensitive meetings including passwords and participant admittance policies.

Security Settings:
Screen sharing and whiteboard features should be disabled to prevent participants from displaying unwanted material or sharing their screen without permission.

Meetinghouse Tech

Smart TVs (Use onboard TV Menu):
See the user manual for specific details on connecting with and using each Smart TV. The Ward Technology Specialist can also assist with providing HDMI converter cables and helping users connect.

Microphone Basics / Audio Mixers / Crab Box:
Members: Microphones are located in the library for member use and can be checked out.

Specialty Equipment:
Each building is also equipped with additional audio equipment managed by the Ward Technology Specialist. This includes things like wireless microphones, Crab Boxes, and HDMI conversion cables.

Leaders:
Each Ward also maintains a dedicated resource for use by ward leaders.
https://tech.churchofjesuschrist.org/wiki/Crab_Box
https://tech.churchofjesuschrist.org/wiki/Using_an_Audio_Mixer

Assisted Listening Devices:
https://tech.churchofjesuschrist.org/wiki/Using_Accessibility_Technology

AC Backup Speaker Systems:
Each building should have a backup speaker located either in the Technology Closet, library or Audio Closet. This can be used as a temporary emergency replacement if the Chapel audio system fails.