Vision Areas and Goals

[Denis Hlynka]

I agree with Dick Cornell (and I did say it before, Dick) that all the
vision statemens should be in present not future tense. That is, AECT IS
a leader (not will be), DOES provide a structure, IS committed, and IS a
dynamic association.

Denis Hlynka
University of Manitoba
dhl...@ccu.umanitoba.ca

[Rusty Russell]

Regarding the use of future versus present tense in the draft AECT
Vision 2000 statement: The Task Force has discussed this issue, but I
forgot to report the status. We recognize the value of the present tense
as descriptive of an existing attribute; however, we are concerned that,
for attributes or goals that are yet to be attained, the present tense
implies an achievment that is not in fact accomplished.
-
One way to resolve this, we think, is to use present tense for existing
attributes and future tense for yet to be accomplished attributes.
Because the Vision document is a living document, present tense could
be substituted for future tense when appropriate--that is when a goal
or attributes has been accomplished. There will be another
opportunity to comment on this before a report is made to the Board, so
please hang in there with us.
-
We are trying to avoid getting bogged down on this issue until we get
more and better objectives under the goal areas. We need to do this to
establish doable timelines, and that is why we have put the present call
out for comments on the Vision and Goals.
-
Listserv discussion has been very valuable in shaping our thinking,
and we hope to receive insightful comment on objectives that will lead
to goal attainment. Our plan is to develop a draft timeline by
mid-May, and we will appreciate your participation leading to that
milestone.
-
Again, your participation is very helpful. Keep the comments coming.
Rusty....

=====================================================================
Floyd K. (Rusty) Russell, EdD
ru...@wvucblc2.hsc.wvu.edu
Director, Computer-Based Learning Center
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia University
PO Box 9015 Morgantown, WV 26505-9015
(304) 293-4683 (Voice) (304) 293-2901 (FAX)

[Denis Hlynka]

I understand the argument that the vision statements are in a sense future
oriented, nevertheless, it seems to weaken the position of AECT
considerably if we state that AECT "will be" a leader. Surely it is. And
all the vision statements are matters of fact, not hope. (But you say
that you will bring this one up later, so I will not dwell on it.)

A small change in vision statement #1: AECT should be "a" leader, not
"the" leader. Especially, if we are thinking internationally, AECT should
not claim to be THE leader for Canada, UK, Australia, etc. One of the
leaders, sure. But not the only one.

Goal 1.1 seems to me to be the least important of the five under vision
statement #1. I suggest it be placed as goal 1.5, and the others moved up
accordingly. Specifically, this goal refers to liaisons with government,
business, and wishes to influence legislation, etc. Those goals are
implicitly US based, and not in keeping with the international focus AECT
hopes to convey. The other goals are generic, and cut through national
interests. But AECT is not able (nor hoping) to change legislation in
countries other than the USA. For this reason, it should be placed as
goal 1.5.

Keep up the good work. I like the range and scope of the other goals and
visions.

Denis Hlynka
dhl...@ccu.umanitoba.ca

[JENNY]

The main Vision statements sound solid to me, the items under each statement
should be open to review on a regular basis allowing for changes and additions.
Goals that do not change do not support a dynamic organozation. Jenny