What if your CV is not enough? Part Two - Not just cardboard castles: digital identity in three dimensions

Abstract

If you don't mind venturing into the macabre for a second, imagine your gravestone. I'm willing to bet it doesn't say: "Here lies so-and-so; their doctoral thesis was a critical analysis of the pseudo-social constructivist paradigm inherent in early 21st century pedagogical practices." And it probably doesn't have a list of your recent publications and conference papers. However, a quick Google reveals this kind of one-dimensional profiling is rampant in academia and it's easy for postgrads to succumb. Traditionally, creating an academic identity (digital or otherwise) involves an institutional profile which outlines your professional experience, publication record and grants. This functions as your sole 'face' for networking and professional interaction. Academics venturing into digital spaces often maintain this approach, keeping their profiles and blogs as 'professional' as possible. Postgrad students and early-career academics who are keen to build a professional name will often feel the pressure to promote their scholarly work to the exclusion of all other endeavours. Creating an academic identity often involves simply creating a 'cardboard castle' for oneself - it looks good from one angle, but viewed from another it is one-dimensional and lacks substance.