The last time I “Googled” myself was about a year ago, and the top responses highlighted flipcharts I’ve created and published to PrometheanPlanet.com. I was proud of these creations and satisfied with my “online identity.” Therefore, I figured I would find equally satisfying results when I Googled my name for this week’s assignment. This was not the case. Now, my top three results are as follows: Facebook (not exactly the most useful first result), Pipl (on which every address I’ve lived at since I was five is listed…creepy), and TeacherTube (finally a site showcasing digital resources I’ve created). My flipcharts are not even on the first or even second page of the results anymore. If only we could choose how our own results are sorted for searchers.
As I delve deeper into the Educational Technology master’s program and progress in my educational career, I know it is increasingly imperative to have a positive online identity. This includes not only the amount of results returned, but the quality and relevance of each result. Not that I have a personal vendetta against Pipl.com, but I’m not quite sure a parent or employer is interested in where I lived in 1989 or my mother’s address. While these results may be numerous, they are by no means relevant to how I want to be perceived by others. The internet offers a new means of informal job interviews and first impressions, and often we do not even know these interviews are taking place. We must always be putting our best foot forward, face-to-face and online.
One way to establish a strong positive online identity is by creating an online profile, which I recently did for this week’s assignment using Google Profiles. There are numerous well-done Educator Profiles and How-To’s available to make the process of creating an online profile easy and effective. In the past, I had never taken the time to fill out the profile information on any digital resources I’ve subscribed to or created, such as blogs, wikis, or educator forums. The profile section always just seemed like an extra thing to do – a waste of time, and who was going to look at those things anyways, right? Now that I know that every program I enter my name into, subscribe to, or express interest in online shows up when my name is entered in a search engine, I recognize a need for a professional profile accompanying each associated program and electronic resource.
As I completed the profile activities, I began to view the About Me sections of the blog site or Google Profiles as a sort of informal resume. Only this resume is readily available to anyone who completes a virtual search of your name. From now on, I will be taking those extra fifteen minutes to enter a brief description of myself and what I have to offer the world. This may be my chance to connect with a possible employer or create a bond with a classroom parent or peer. I’ve learned that in such a networked world, I am always selling myself. Let’s make sure that what people are looking to buy is the same thing we are intending to sell.
"I’ve learned that in such a networked world, I am always selling myself. Let’s make sure that what people are looking to buy is the same thing we are intending to sell."
ReplyDeleteI thought this was an insightful comment (even if it is a fairly mercenary metaphor). :-)
I think that your efforts to engage with other educators, parents, and students through the power of the internet will benefit all of you (and leave positive footprints behind you online). :-)
You have rightfully emphasized that “It is increasingly imperative to have a positive online identity” (para. 1) which I strongly agree. The Internet embodies a wealth of information about people—some of which may be too private to be available to the public, especially without permission. Using the “MIT's Personas project” site as part of our course activity, I was overwhelmed by the amount of information that is available about many aspects of my personal live online. Of course some of them are generally irrelevant—as you have correctly pointed out: “I’m not quite sure a parent or employer is interested in where I lived in 1989 or my mother’s address” (para. 2).
ReplyDeleteIn addition, you have declared the fact that “The internet offers a new means of informal job interviews and first impressions, and often we do not even know these interviews are taking place” (para. 2). I must admit that I had not thought of this profound fact. Given this reality, I do also recognize the “need for a professional profile accompanying each associated program and electronic resource” (para. 3). I am determined to be present online in a way which I find suitable, or at least provide relevant information about aspects of my professional and personal life. Moreover, it may also provide opportunities to “connect with a possible employer or create a bond with a classroom parent or peer” (para 4).