Advice as I teach with Logos

I'm looking for suggestions/advice/input in my current workflow. I have a seminary degree minus the biblical languages (would look to expand that someday but that's another topic). I teach an adult Bible study at our church and do my own research and preparation. I occasionally do a sermon but am not on staff, just part of the leadership team.

I do my preparation on my computer (Mac) and create a Note for each lesson within Logos. For example, I am going to teach Jonah in January and have a note entitled "Jonah 1:1-3 teaching notes," a second, "Jonah 1:4-16 teaching notes) etc. Those notes contain my outline for the class, questions, quotes copy/pasted from sources, summaries of resources, etc. I order each note to flow with the biblical text.

When I teach the class (I do the same thing when I present a sermon), I use my iPad. I use two columns in the iPad Logos app with my notes in one column and the biblical text in the other.

Is there a simpler way to do this? I've noticed on the forums that many don't use the notes function so I wonder if there's a better way. I'm open to suggestions and ideas. Thank you for your input.

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Lynden O. Williams

Kathy, your method works for me and is the best one that I have found so far. If you want to you can also share your notes.

Kathy Brasby

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670411#Comment_670411

Lynden, thanks for the encouragement! How would I share the notes? Through Faithlife?

Rayner

I'm looking for suggestions/advice/input in my current workflow. I have a seminary degree minus the biblical languages (would look to expand that someday but that's another topic). I teach an adult Bible study at our church and do my own research and preparation. I occasionally do a sermon but am not on staff, just part of the leadership team.

I do my preparation on my computer (Mac) and create a Note for each lesson within Logos. For example, I am going to teach Jonah in January and have a note entitled "Jonah 1:1-3 teaching notes," a second, "Jonah 1:4-16 teaching notes) etc. Those notes contain my outline for the class, questions, quotes copy/pasted from sources, summaries of resources, etc. I order each note to flow with the biblical text.

When I teach the class (I do the same thing when I present a sermon), I use my iPad. I use two columns in the iPad Logos app with my notes in one column and the biblical text in the other.

Is there a simpler way to do this? I've noticed on the forums that many don't use the notes function so I wonder if there's a better way. I'm open to suggestions and ideas. Thank you for your input.

I do this very similarly, except that I have a notes document for each chapter eg. Mark 1, Mark 2 etc. and then I add a separate notes file/sub-heading for each verse within the given chapter. Eventually, if the notes documents get too big as they're each an entire chapter, I may have to split them up, but it's ok at the moment. I then copy and paste the relevant commentary passages into my notes documents and I also then add my own comments to the verses.

Doc B

I don't use Notes for my teaching. I use Clippings. (I've really come to appreciate the Clippings tool...and I never touched it the first few years I used Logos...didn't know what all it could do.)

Here's my process:

I create a Clippings file for the Bible passage (say, John 2:23-25). Then I go through all my resources of interest and cut clippings from them to the file. If I have thoughts about a clipping that I want to retain for my narrative, I add those to the notes part at the bottom of each clipping.

When the clippings are all done, I use Print/Export to send the Clippings file to MS Word.

I then use Word to edit the document into a cohesive narrative. For me, 4 pages equals one hour of teaching and discussion. By using the Clippings tool, all my quotes and notes are properly footnoted, so I can give proper attribution when I quote. These also allow me to make a good handout with verse references, definitions of big scary words, etc. (I have never used the Logos handout tool...just doesn't work for me.) I can also clip verses as needed to add to the narrative or the handout.

Once my final copy is done in Word, I save it to Dropbox as a PDF, then open the PDF in one of my apps on my iPad for my teaching notes. It was only just this year I converted from printing the notes to viewing them on my iPad. The print is smaller, but I manage, and it saves some time and paper. I don't try to use the Logos app in class, as it is not stable enough to depend upon with our wifi connection at church. When I get to my classroom, everything I'll need is downloaded already.

HTH. Just one way of many that will work.

Kathy Brasby

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670441#Comment_670441

I do this very similarly, except that I have a notes document for each chapter eg. Mark 1, Mark 2 etc. and then I add a separate notes file/sub-heading for each verse within the given chapter.

I used to do that, too, but found my notes documents got too big in the iPad Logos app. Thanks for your input. Do you also is an iPad to teach from? I have an iPad 3 and wonder if it's time to upgrade that because the Logos app can be sluggish and sometimes crash unexpectedly. Thank you!

Kathy Brasby

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670450#Comment_670450

Doc B: thank you! I was hoping to hear of other ideas as well as my Notes method. I haven't ever used Clippings this way. I like to re-examine my methods every so often to see if there's a better way. It's interesting to see how many different paths there are to the same result. I appreciate your input. Thanks!

Rayner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670451#Comment_670451

I do this very similarly, except that I have a notes document for each chapter eg. Mark 1, Mark 2 etc. and then I add a separate notes file/sub-heading for each verse within the given chapter.

I used to do that, too, but found my notes documents got too big in the iPad Logos app. Thanks for your input. Do you also is an iPad to teach from? I have an iPad 3 and wonder if it's time to upgrade that because the Logos app can be sluggish and sometimes crash unexpectedly. Thank you!

Interesting. It sounds as though, in the long run, I may need to separate out to something like Mark 1:1-10, Mark 1:11-20 etc. although I'd rather avoid that because where to "cut" the verses becomes arbitrary and it's easy to miss something if stored elsewhere, and I've visions of having tens of thousands of notes if I want to go through the whole bible!!

I don't use the iPad Logos app (at the moment) and am just making notes on the Logos software on my computer. (I think I have to upgrade my computer because Logos runs exceedingly slowly when I've lots of commentaries open).

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670451#Comment_670451

Kathy ... just for your thinking ... you might consider one of the 'outside' products for your class/presentation notes. Even the Logos CEO recommended not viewing Logos as a catch-all. From major version change (e.g. L3 > L4), etc. your work can get caught.

The other reason is easy distribution to your students. I can't speak for them, but I really like having the teacher's notes as we go along. Also (at least at our church), they post the presentations for everyone. Many a time, I've gone back years for to look it over again.

BillS

I have no advice, but I'll share what I'm doing in Bible classes (for preaching, it's different). I'm seminary trained with languages, & use a laptop & a projector, with a layout for each class. I'll set program scaling larger during class time (I have programmed presets on my toolbar, so it's quick to set & to restore to 100%), so resource text is readable. To prepare, I'll pick the best commentary I have that's also most appropriate for the class, & I'll use a combination of visual notes (solid color foreground markups & emphasis markups work better than highlighter pens & inductive markups for readable projection) & a note file for the content of my teaching. Note files usually contain clarifications to the text version we're reading from (NIV84 as base) or pointers to significant words in the original language, when English obscures the full range of Greek or Hebrew nuance. The text in the selected commentary (commentaries) that I highlight IS my teaching outline. Unless it's a significant textual issue, I don't often drag them through the alternative interpretations (or much more than a summary of them), but will instead highlight the mainstream interpretation (using a 2nd commentary if the main one goes some other direction).

Why a projector & laptop (admittedly, it's a bit to schlep around)? Real time CLASS access to the search function, Bible versions (I have all of their translations accessible & visible if needed), Bible dictionary, & language tools. Our side trips are sometimes even more powerful than the planned lesson, often traversing much of the OT & NT in one class. Students have developed such a thirst for this approach they've drawn me into a 2hr time block from the original hour that I'd planned.

Why base it on a commentary (and often, more than one for clearer interpretations of alternative positions)? When I say something they disagree with, they know it's based on solid research, because they've seen it. Also, I find it to be faster.

Currently, for Romans I'm using NICNT's 2-volume Romans commentary, with NAC's & WBC's volumes as secondary sources.

Blessings on your studies!

Kathy Brasby

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670475#Comment_670475

you might consider one of the 'outside' products for your class/presentation notes. Even the Logos CEO recommended not viewing Logos as a catch-all. From major version change (e.g. L3 > L4), etc. your work can get caught.

Denise, that's a good consideration, too. I've thought about putting my notes into Word and view that in my iPad. I do like the view of the Logos app where I have the biblical text in one column and my notes right beside it.

What does the Logos CEO mean by having work get caught in the change between versions? That my notes could be lost? That's a scary thought. Thanks!

Kathy

Kathy Brasby

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670511#Comment_670511

BillS: there's a ton of ideas in your post! Thank you. I had not thought about setting up a layout and projecting that for the class. Interesting idea that I will chew on, for sure. I appreciate you taking the time to share that with me. Thank you.

Kathy

Kathy Brasby

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670469#Comment_670469

I may need to separate out to something like Mark 1:1-10, Mark 1:11-20 etc. although I'd rather avoid that because where to "cut" the verses becomes arbitrary and it's easy to miss something if stored elsewhere, and I've visions of having tens of thousands of notes if I want to go through the whole bible!!

Rayner, my fear, too, is having tens of thousands of notes someday. I've had the same problem you discuss about splitting notes documents and don't really have an answer. I try to make the notes document match what I think I'll cover in class but that doesn't always happen. I've had to change to a new notes document, which takes a little time and can disrupt the discussion flow a bit. That issue is probably the biggest reason I've been fishing for more ideas. Thanks for your input.

Kathy

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670517#Comment_670517

Kathy, in my sentences, I changed 'actor' (using the new L6 concepts!). That was my observation (major version changes). If I remember correctly, notes movement from L3 to L4 was only bouncy for features that L4 had not introduced yet.

Many have accidentally managed to loose their Logos notes but Logos got them back. So that's a big plus.

mab

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670542#Comment_670542

You might consider using something like Notebook 4. It's designed for Mac and iPad. I have it on my Mac, but I haven't yet dived into learning just yet. That's really the main issue, learning some method and using it. I feel fairly safe with whatever notes I make in Logos, but I want some backup in case of some issue.

There's a lot of different ways to do things. I keep many files in Google Drive and access my files on PC, Mac and tablet. Very handy if I get an idea and want to tap out something into what I'm working on.

mike

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670830#Comment_670830

I gotta say, you must be careful when using the Logos iPad Notes.

What's lacking is the hard button "edit", and what I mean by that is that when I scroll down the notes..many times it will go into the edit mode accidentally. And when that happens many times I would not be able to see the bottom portion of my notes for some strange reasons. In order to see the bottom part of my missing note I have to either tap on the note or click on the edit button and scroll all the way down until I see the bottom part of my notes.

Bottom line, be careful when you scroll down on your Notes in iPad.

Also, sync your notes before leaving your house and disconnect WiFi to prevent some weird interruption during your speaking engagement.

Kevin Byford (Faithlife)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/670852#Comment_670852

I gotta say, you must be careful when using the Logos iPad Notes.

Mike,

Have you previously reported this issue, and if so which version of the Logos app were you using?

mike

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/672782#Comment_672782

I gotta say, you must be careful when using the Logos iPad Notes.

Mike,

Have you previously reported this issue, and if so which version of the Logos app were you using?

I'm using the latest version. But the problem persist in all past versions.

The problem is notorious especially when you turn off the iPad when the screen is on Notes, then turn Logos app back ON...3 out of 5 I will lose the bottom part of the Notes.

Scrolling also a scary experience, sometimes if I scroll too fast, I would also lose the bottom part of my Notes.

Few times while I was in speaking engagement, I forgot that I had 2-3 more notes on the bottom on my Note. The reason was because it was missing while I was speaking. And I was pale and dead up there, not knowing where my Notes have gone.

After many experiences, I learned that the Notes is bugged. I always have to make sure I always see the last/bottom part of the note during my speaking engagement.

Also, I think tapping on the Notes screen shouldn't take automatically go into the edit mode. 8 out 10 every time I want to scroll on Notes, it will go into EDIT mode. And I DONT want to do that. It is really annoying.

Kevin Byford (Faithlife)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/672788#Comment_672788

I'm using the latest version. But the problem persist in all past versions.

Have you previously reported this issue? If not, please report it here . We can't fix problems that we are unaware of.

mike

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/672818#Comment_672818

I'm using the latest version. But the problem persist in all past versions.

Have you previously reported this issue? If not, please report it here . We can't fix problems that we are unaware of.

Just did. Thanks Kev.

Kathy Brasby

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/672788#Comment_672788

sometimes if I scroll too fast, I would also lose the bottom part of my Notes.

Few times while I was in speaking engagement, I forgot that I had 2-3 more notes on the bottom on my Note. The reason was because it was missing while I was speaking. And I was pale and dead up there, not knowing where my Notes have gone.

After many experiences, I learned that the Notes is bugged. I always have to make sure I always see the last/bottom part of the note during my speaking engagement.

Also, I think tapping on the Notes screen shouldn't take automatically go into the edit mode. 8 out 10 every time I want to scroll on Notes, it will go into EDIT mode. And I DONT want to do that. It is really annoying.

I have had the exact problem while teaching using Notes and an iPad. I assumed I had made a mistake while teaching and tapped somewhere I shouldn't have. Yes, this is an annoying bug in the iPad app.