http://www.cocomment.com/comments/dogtrax Copyright 2007 coComment.com 2009-11-23T07:04:11.789+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/images/logo4rss.gif http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1565972&comment_id=30087014 Kevin You make great points here, Elona. Thanks for the reminder of the power of positive thinking and the power of a positive environment so that all students can be successful in their own right. Kevin 2008-08-07T11:43:27.991+02:00 2008-08-07T11:43:27.991+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1505175&comment_id=28775814 Dogtrax The reflections on the building give the photo a certain grandeur, I think. Is this where you live? or where you visit? Kevin 2008-07-18T11:42:41.925+02:00 2008-07-18T11:42:41.925+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1487818&comment_id=28534628 Kevin Mike I added a video comment. Kevin 2008-07-10T02:56:53.175+02:00 2008-07-10T02:56:53.175+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1478357&comment_id=28468188 dogtrax Love the photo. Congrats. Kevin 2008-07-08T11:35:04.158+02:00 2008-07-08T11:35:04.158+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1477930&comment_id=28303223 dogtrax Thanks Liza I'll give it a try. My poem doesn't seem to work on them. I guess the power of words is somewhat limited. :) Kevin 2008-07-04T11:59:46.888+02:00 2008-07-04T11:59:46.888+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1452491&comment_id=27525362 Kevin Wow What a great resource you have put together here for the world. I'll be sure to share this with others as I encourage the use of VT in the classroom. Thanks Kevin 2008-06-20T12:11:32.061+02:00 2008-06-20T12:11:32.061+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1440525&comment_id=27282722 dogtrax It has to do with students .... and online work with collaboration and science? Or across the curriculum? Am I close? Kevin 2008-06-15T12:19:41.441+02:00 2008-06-15T12:19:41.441+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1436675&comment_id=27247840 dogtrax Tina, I think you and I will be having some tech talks this summer. Bonnie, Thanks for your list. You have two digital stories getting finished? What are they? That sounds neat. And what is ELLTECH? Sounds interesting, too. Kevin 2008-06-13T11:02:09.439+02:00 2008-06-13T11:02:09.439+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1418751&comment_id=27160359 Kevin Beautiful words all around. Thanks for hosting. Kevin 2008-06-09T12:04:05.896+02:00 2008-06-09T12:04:05.896+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1418751&comment_id=27078812 Kevin Here is my sentence: I wish I could step inside a chapter or two of "Einstein's Dreams" (Alan Lightman) so I could step forward in time to end the school year while at the same time jump back in time to finish up all the loose ends dangling around my writing curriculum. - Kevin http://tinyurl.com/29lsgd 2008-06-05T00:47:48.979+02:00 2008-06-05T00:47:48.979+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1417205&comment_id=27038125 Anonymous Hi Bud Good luck with camp. Did you bring the marshmellow and graham crackers and chocolate bars? Cyber-Smores. :) Kevin 2008-06-03T12:01:28.356+02:00 2008-06-03T12:01:28.356+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1413615&comment_id=27007622 Anonymous My five lessons learned from 31CC: 1. Taking a step back and looking at your blog with the eyes of a visitor from time to time is an important reflective stance. This allows you to consider how welcoming and inviting you are to other people. All too often, we have tunnel vision about our world. By examining it from another angle, we may make improvements. 2. When visiting another blog, try to not to blast through. Read the post carefully and then engage in conversation. Leave a comment of more than three words, if you can. Let the writer know you read and thought about their post. 3. Find some system, any system, for returning to the conversation. It is great that we post a comment but not so great that we don't always go back to see where the thread has gone. Your (my) voice remains critical to the discussion even after you (me) have gone. 4. There are more communities of writers/teachers/educators out there than one can imagine and yet, even in such a large world, there are many areas of overlap. I loved running into folks here and there, and learning more about them. 5. Be thoughtful in what you write. You don't always have to agree or disagree, but a thoughtful comment goes a long way to opening up a dialogue. Thanks -- Kevin 2008-06-02T11:20:00.923+02:00 2008-06-02T11:20:00.923+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1413550&comment_id=26994202 dogtrax Hi Video is quite different and there is a comfort factor that goes along with it, including the ability to talk from your head (not always easy). But I do like seeing someone from time to time, hearing their authentic voice and watching the facial expressions. So, I see video commenting as having some value -- not to replace words, but to complement them. Colin, thanks for the recommendation for the books. I appreciate it. The brain is a funny and amazing place. Kevin 2008-06-01T14:10:51.925+02:00 2008-06-01T14:10:51.925+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1410673&comment_id=26966911 dogtrax Thanks for the interesting discussion here. It has me thinking. I can understand the need to focus your online persona, I suppose, but I have to say that I created this blog with the idea that it would not be just about teaching (although that clearly is one important strand) but also as a place where I would explore writing, music and other ideas that came across the path. I called it Kevin's Meandering Mind for a reason. Even then, with a blank blog slate, I knew it would bring me all over the place. It is possible that I have lost some readers over time because of this, but I am fine with that. I am on a personal journey here, made public by the blog, and I need to follow that path as I see it unfolding before me. The blog just allows me to share, reflect, get feedback and move into technology in interesting ways. Perhaps we are just talking about two different things -- voice and projected persona, and sometimes they mesh together and sometimes, they do not. It depends upon our intentions and the situation. Kevin 2008-05-31T11:48:11.674+02:00 2008-05-31T11:48:11.674+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1410673&comment_id=26925249 dogtrax I like "voice" as a term, too, as it defines me as a writer, and not as a product. Identity is OK, Nancy, but voice is more personal, don't you think? Perhaps it is merely semantics, but words matter. Words have power and words are used for different reasons. This is likely the reason why "branding" hit me the wrong way. Thanks, Matt, for giving the view from outside. Adios Kevin 2008-05-30T11:33:29.558+02:00 2008-05-30T11:33:29.558+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1410673&comment_id=26891205 dogtrax Great points, Michele. What I like about all of these tasks is how it gets us thinking in different directions. I appreciate your thoughtful comment here. It makes me think again. I do like the concept of "being strategic" in what we are doing. Peace Kevin 2008-05-29T12:47:53.885+02:00 2008-05-29T12:47:53.885+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1407729&comment_id=26887082 dogtrax Claire, Great job on your sketchcast. I think we must have had the same art teacher (ha). But the visual, with your voice, is really engaging, and your points of showing how your network has grown was quite effective to me. I liked your point of noticing the interconnections going on. Sometimes we move so fast we don't see all of those connections. The challenge is forcing us, willingly, to slow down a bit and see what is there and just beyond our field of vision. Sue, I got some Mad Mouse Skills! (I've been wanting to write that, for some reason) :) Kevin 2008-05-29T11:11:10.494+02:00 2008-05-29T11:11:10.494+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1410154&comment_id=26887070 dogtrax Hi Paul I got your Day in a Comic, along with a few others -- very fun. I can't wait to see what comes along this week. Kevin 2008-05-29T11:02:23.779+02:00 2008-05-29T11:02:23.779+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1410154&comment_id=26875688 dogtrax Right on! I must have been grumpy. We have great kindergarten teachers, and my sons all had great K teachers. Sorry if it was insulting to anyone. I am sure kindergarten kids are holding it together a bit better than my sixth graders. :) Kevin 2008-05-29T01:28:59.624+02:00 2008-05-29T01:28:59.624+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1407729&comment_id=26841335 dogtrax Oh and Sue, I did not use a Tablet, just my plain 'ol PC. Kevin 2008-05-27T14:23:20.636+02:00 2008-05-27T14:23:20.636+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1407729&comment_id=26841330 dogtrax Bonnie The kids were sleeping and the house was quiet, so I think I could have talked louder under other circumstances. Sue What is interesting is that although it is true I had already connected with one circle of bloggers, the challenge has expanded that network and you slowly come to realize that there are many cocentric communities out there that sometimes overlap. But if you are not paying attention (or not going back to your comments), you may never quite realize the depth of those communities. Does that make sense? Kevin 2008-05-27T14:21:50.239+02:00 2008-05-27T14:21:50.239+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1407729&comment_id=26840996 dogtrax It is an interesting convergence of art and writing. I am not quite comfortable with the sketching but I love the concept. And sharing is so simple. Take care Kevin 2008-05-27T13:27:57.031+02:00 2008-05-27T13:27:57.031+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1406467&comment_id=26830524 Kevin You really captured the sense of place here. The Catskills were never part of my childhood (we went there once -- to a Cowboy Farm where we rode horses and I discovered that I was allergic to horses -- and had nothing but pounding headaches the entire week). But my dad played drums every summer with bands in the Catskills and he has great memories of those days. Kevin 2008-05-26T17:51:56.406+02:00 2008-05-26T17:51:56.406+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1396548&comment_id=26830497 dogtrax Greetings Berta Thanks for stopping by. And please, feel free to join us for this week's Day in a Sentence. Keep an eye on the blog here, if you (or anyone else) are interested. Kevin 2008-05-26T17:44:41.395+02:00 2008-05-26T17:44:41.395+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1405849&comment_id=26821830 dogtrax I think the concern is justified -- ie, the translation might say something you don't want to say, and I was a little concerned, too. But, shucks, I went ahead anyway and now I am engaged in a conversation/comment with a teacher from Mexico who is a blogger. So, it was worth the chance. Kevin 2008-05-26T02:05:56.948+02:00 2008-05-26T02:05:56.948+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1404361&comment_id=26821374 Kevin Hodgson You know, I meant to say that I love Annie Lamott and I love that book (and most of her writing). At one point, as I was trying to envision myself as a writer, I turned to Bird by Bird (and also Anne Dillard and E. Annie Proulx -- some strange Annie fixation that I cannot account for in that period of life, but I loved all three at the same exact time) and came away with a better head for writing. I thought I would poke my head back into the conversation and add my two cents. Kevin 2008-05-26T00:57:50.207+02:00 2008-05-26T00:57:50.207+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1404361&comment_id=26804583 Kevin Hodgson [riffly_video]31279B94299C11DDA97DD6ACAA01D9A4[/riffly_video] 2008-05-24T16:18:13.409+02:00 2008-05-24T16:18:13.409+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1400005&comment_id=26768006 Kevin True. And yes to keeping open minds. But even on these virtual journeys, there is something lacking -- the personal connections that you make when meeting someone, or experiencing some place. I know that is just the reality of life. I can't leave my three kids and wife and say, see ya, I'm off to explore the world. We do the best we can with the tools we have, and try to show that to our students, right? Kevin 2008-05-22T01:43:39.437+02:00 2008-05-22T01:43:39.437+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1399985&comment_id=26768001 Kevin Did you leave a video comment, Carla? I did not see it. (But I wanted to) Kevin 2008-05-22T01:41:42.520+02:00 2008-05-22T01:41:42.520+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1399985&comment_id=26764455 Kevin I posted a video. Kevin [riffly_video]209BE62C271C11DDA97DD6ACAA01D9A4[/riffly_video] 2008-05-21T11:56:21.081+02:00 2008-05-21T11:56:21.081+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1400192&comment_id=26764426 Kevin Hi I am following the thread of Three Links Out from the Comment Challenge and return to your wonderful blog. I think one of the challenges for anyone using blogs with students is how to create a culture of thoughtful comments. It's not easy. They think it is over with: This is cool. Or Good job. I will have to read the Vicki article. Thanks Kevin 2008-05-21T11:49:56.581+02:00 2008-05-21T11:49:56.581+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1400005&comment_id=26764422 Kevin Wow You have lived in many places, haven't you? Has this world of travel informed you as a teacher? I often feel like I have such an insular view of the world, although that does force me to keep on events and find ways to connect with others (and get my students to do that, too) Kevin 2008-05-21T11:45:50.084+02:00 2008-05-21T11:45:50.084+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1396548&comment_id=26702108 dogtrax I refuse to accept responsibility (hahahaha). I was using the words of Sara. Sara did it -- Sara did it. :) Kevin 2008-05-19T00:15:48.762+02:00 2008-05-19T00:15:48.762+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1396548&comment_id=26700950 dogtrax Thanks, Seth, and we invite you to participate with us, too. We usually put a call out on Tues or Wed, and then publish them all on Sunday. Your words are welcome. Kevin 2008-05-18T20:50:05.363+02:00 2008-05-18T20:50:05.363+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1396548&comment_id=26696513 dogtrax You are all welcome. We missed you, Jo, but now you are here. Gail, you can break the rules anytime you want. I loved your sentence because it is so celebratory in spirit and action. Take care Kevin 2008-05-18T19:08:55.221+02:00 2008-05-18T19:08:55.221+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1395449&comment_id=26686873 dogtrax The conference was great ... I am writing a quick reflection for my blog. Kevin 2008-05-18T12:17:08.359+02:00 2008-05-18T12:17:08.359+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1381713&comment_id=26679723 dogtrax Yes, Kim: Islands. Nice metaphor. But hopefully, islands that connected by some warm ocean currents, right? Kevin 2008-05-18T00:07:11.063+02:00 2008-05-18T00:07:11.063+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1395449&comment_id=26679434 dogtrax Bella was my dog's name. :) Kevin 2008-05-17T23:24:21.464+02:00 2008-05-17T23:24:21.464+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1385091&comment_id=26567729 dogtrax Carla I will check out that tool you mention. I don't use Twitter with my kids, yet, but YouthTwitter is possible. Kevin 2008-05-13T11:35:13.634+02:00 2008-05-13T11:35:13.634+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1385091&comment_id=26567727 dogtrax Hi Christine When I go to the homepage, I need to log in. Then, it shows a video (it must be the last one posted on Seesmic) In the upper left corner of that video is a red "New" sign. Click on that and you get started. Not exactly intuitive to click on that button, but there you go. I hope that helps. Let me know when you have posted something and I will try to reply. Kevin 2008-05-13T11:34:17.279+02:00 2008-05-13T11:34:17.279+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1387263&comment_id=26523932 Anonymous As you know, I am mulling over my moderation methods (nice alliteration, eh?) So, your post here is helpful. My pet peeve is one you list: the Google/Blogger one, in which you must be part of their umbrella to comment. I do have a Blogger account, which is just an empty vessel so that I can comment on these blogs, but that seems foolish. Thanks for your tutorial (again) Kevin 2008-05-11T15:57:17.914+02:00 2008-05-11T15:57:17.914+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1383626&comment_id=26509575 dogtrax Thanks Diane. I am still mulling it all over. Of course, it will be part of my Comment Challenge reflection, phase two, whenever that is. Kevin 2008-05-10T21:05:53.142+02:00 2008-05-10T21:05:53.142+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1385091&comment_id=26509561 dogtrax Twitter ... yes, it is used for comments and networking, but it always seems disjointed to me, as if voices are moving in and out, and you are never sure who is part of the conversation. I like Twitter and think it interesting, but it often seems like a strange jump-in/jump-out activity. I even wrote a poem about it not too long ago. It's called: I Dream in Twitter http://dogtrax.edublogs.org/2008/03/18/i-dream-in-twitter-a-podcast-poem/ :) Kevin 2008-05-10T21:01:05.165+02:00 2008-05-10T21:01:05.165+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1385091&comment_id=26505055 dogtrax Greetings Carla Your point about the many possibilities for comments is a good one for us to keep in mind. My first impression is that the activity you describe might be complicated for many folks, but then, on second thought, maybe not. And it provides a better understanding of tagging. I'll have to check out your project when I have some more time. Thanks Kevin 2008-05-10T16:33:55.930+02:00 2008-05-10T16:33:55.930+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1385091&comment_id=26504897 dogtrax Hi Diane That concept of "hijacking a post" is interesting, isn't it? I wonder about the concept of ownership of posts in the blogging world. If I start a post that sparks a conversation, should I just let it take its course or veer it back to the original idea? My guess is that you let the ideas flow and follow it with interest. Thanks for stopping by Kevin 2008-05-10T15:59:59.656+02:00 2008-05-10T15:59:59.656+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1385091&comment_id=26502605 dogtrax Thanks Ken I am trying to keep my mind running (out of breath ......) Kevin 2008-05-10T12:28:01.055+02:00 2008-05-10T12:28:01.055+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1385826&comment_id=26502140 dogtrax Those filters ... cause more trouble than their intended benefit, most of the time (but not all of the time). Kevin 2008-05-10T12:00:04.613+02:00 2008-05-10T12:00:04.613+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1383626&comment_id=26502128 dogtrax Sue The Comment Challenge has me rethinking the concept of moderation and I might reverse my longstanding practice of holding comments in moderation. Spam was the original reason but the filters seem pretty strong, so why keep doing it? I need to think about it some more. Thanks for pointing that out to me, though. Kevin 2008-05-10T11:57:57.613+02:00 2008-05-10T11:57:57.613+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1385826&comment_id=26489714 dogtrax Thanks for sharing the insights. You know, you talk about having tasks for students but not so much for yourself (did I read that right?) and it makes me wonder about how much should really try to do what we ask our students to do. I always try to do every project and writing assignment that I am going to give my kids -- as much to troubleshoot as to share the process with them. I often talk through the problems I have run into and strategies that I have come up. When it comes to blogging, maybe we should do the same, but with our PLC that develops through the various RSS feeds, Twitter, social networking, etc. Just a thought. Kevin 2008-05-10T01:15:13.695+02:00 2008-05-10T01:15:13.695+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=dogtrax&conv=1385091&comment_id=26471081 dogtrax Anne That's OK. I think we all need to find some comfort with what we are doing. And too bad about CoComment - although you are not the first to be frustrated with it. Thanks for always reading and leaving comments. Will you do Day in a Sentence this week? The link (for you and anyone else reading) : http://tinyurl.com/6hjn4b Kevin 2008-05-09T13:03:32.223+02:00 2008-05-09T13:03:32.223+02:00