I think the the social networking sites are great. They would come in handy for an individual that is not very personable. It would allow them to utilize written communication skills. In my opinion I would never use these sites (Linked in, plaxo, zeply) because I have a large phone book of people that I have met over the years. My Social personality has given me an edge because I love to talk and meet different people. Now Facebook has been a asset to me because of its popularity. I have connect and reconnect with 
tons of family, friends and collages. I did enjoy using the resumup site. It gave my resume a whole new look. That is one site that I will continue to use. 


Here are my Links:
http://www.plaxo.com/profile/show/68720764759
http://resumup.com/me/4691354
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jimmie-irby/52/7a7/668
http://zerply.com/Jirb55/portfolio


 
The document I created using Google docs was somewhat easy to make once I got the program downloaded to my
computer.  It did take me a couple tries because my computer was acting up.  However, once I was using the program, it was quite simple.  It’s very similar to Microsoft Word, therefore, nothing about it was really foreign to me.  I’ve had experience before using the application DropBox, which has a similar concept of uploading documents and files onto a “cloud” so one can access them from anywhere.  It’s also neat that others can access your files if you give them permission to do so.  This makes the capabilities of sharing files endless.  Both are great programs and I am truly impressed with them.
 
This course has opened my eyes to the numerous ways I can incorporate technology into my coaching.  I'm very old school and have been hesitant in using technology because I didn't have any kind of foundation with technology.  My basic knowledge of checking my e-mail didn't suffice.  However, I'm now better acquainted with the various methods out there.  For starters, my PWP has made me more comfortable with posting my professional thoughts and opinions.  In addition, my FB fanpage has opened my eyes to an alternative means of providing my athletes with useful information.  I also like the thought of creating my own Powerpoint presentations as a means of reaching those athletes who are more visual learners.  With all of these sources, I will definitely be incorporating technology into my coaching in the near future!
 
The YouTube video I chose to embed into my blog was, Secret to Success by Eric Thomas.  He is a great motivational speaker.  His enthusiasm and direction is captivating and extremely motivating.  I love showing my athletes various motivational videos, especially ones that get them pumped up before a game or ones that simply drive them to be their very best.  Eric Thomas is a great role-model and I will definitely be showing more of his videos to my athletes in the future.
 
This class has definitely opened my eyes and mind to the world of technology.  I have been hesitant toward joining that world for sometime now, but this class is making me dive-in head first.  Through reading various articles regarding this topic, I am less weary of the open forum we know as "blogging."  I am less intimidated by this technology and am looking forward to learning more.  I also look forward to taking part in this widely used "soapbox" and am open-minded to what perceptions I might have once I get more involved and gain more experience with my own personal blogging. 
 
My first introduction to blogging was via Twitter.  This public forum seemed to be more of a social network amongst friends.  This article titled, "Exploring the use of blogs as learning spaces in the higher education sector," was very interesting.  I wasn't fully aware prior to reading this article that blogging has crossed over into work and higher education.  I am now aware of the many benefits that blogging now has.  It's a means of creating interaction between peers, co-workers, and educators.  It promotes active learning and higher order thinking.  I love the fact that it encourages analytical thinking.  When people share their opinions and others either agree or comment on those opinions, those people are forced to stand by their opinions through further development.  When a fellow blogger questions someone's public statements, one is required to sustain a clear and confident voice.  They must ask themselves how one's views might be interpreted and reflected upon by others.  This reinforces their ideas and allows them to make corrections as needed.  I like this concept and look forward to future blogging and the feedback of others on my own blogs.  
 
I chose to upload 3 photos into my flickr account.  The one that I labeled KIN 710 is a photo of downtown Los Angeles.  I took this trip about a year ago with my family.  I enjoy going to L.A. for many reasons.  First, it is close and has a lot of choices for entertainment for the family.  I enjoy going downtown and walking around with my family.  Sometimes we go to the fashion district and go shopping.  Second, we always eat while we are in L.A., and we usually try eating somewhere new each time we go.  However, one of our favorite places to eat is Pink's.  This particular trip included eating at Pink's and going to the Chinese Mann theatre to watch a movie with the family.  It was a great day!  Here is the link to my photo:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/irbyjimmie/7185369552/in/photostream
 
Microblogging is a very interesting concept.  Although I don't have much experience with it, it seems to be helpful in keeping up-to-date on news, sports, medicine, friends, etc.  Now that I have my own Twitter account I look forward to corresponding with those who I am following and those who are following me.  Considering I've been pretty closed-minded about Twitter in the past, I'm curious to see how much I end up using it and how often I make microblogs of my own.  Maybe it will be my new favorite thing to do whenever I have time to browse the net.
 
This is officially my first blog.  It will take me some time to get used to expressing my thoughts and feelings on an open forum such as this, but I am excited and open to new experiences.  This world has no set course or real guidelines, other than those bestowed upon you by your parents or guardians.  Even then, it's up to you to choose to follow those ones or make up your own.  I am the first to admit that I don't know everything.  I don't even pretend to appear as if I do.  I know that life is a journey.  You learn as you go, and you evolve as an individual and within your community.  This is a new chapter in my life and I am eager to get started.  I look forward to future blogging and learning from the blogs of others.  I never thought about the benefit of blogging in regards to getting feedback, digesting that feedback and evolving from it.  Game on!