The internet for academics, part one!

(As inspired by an argument at the pub.)

Dear everyone I know who is an academic,

It's time we talked about the internet. Specifically, it's time we talked about You on the internet.

Here are some things you already know, or at least suspect:

1. Your Virtual Learning Environment.

You probably have a VLE. Your VLE is probably called Moodle or Blackboard. You can't work it properly, and you can't find functions that you think are pretty basic. When you try to do something fancy, like a quiz, it doesn't work and your students get confused. That is not your fault. Your VLE probably makes you feel a bit dumb. You are not dumb. Your VLE was designed to meet teaching needs 10 years ago, and those needs have changed. Your VLE hasn't. It is OK to not like your VLE.

2. Your IT staff. Your IT staff are good people and they want to help you. They won't necessarily know what you need, and sometimes, you won't either. The biggest problem you will probably have is updating software. You don't have 'admin rights', and that means you can't change the software on your computer, including updates. They can. So ask them.

You may also be using Internet Explorer 6. If you are, they internet will not work properly for you from now on. Ask your IT staff to update your software when your computer tells you to.

3. Your technology/innovation team. These people have a different name in every institution. They love computers and they're good at computers, but they don't always communicate what they know well. They probably have some terrific tools for you to use, so, ask them. Talk to the innovations people.

4. Your online presence Your presence might seem quite good. The question is how much control you have over it. Google yourself: Do any of the first ten (i.e. the only ones that matter) results contain content that accurately reflects your work and interests? If the answer is 'no', your online presence is not yet up to scratch. People are googling you right now, and you can and should influence what they find.

Next: Part two, the easy fixes.