Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

About me

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt currently serves as the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the College of Health Care Professions based in Houston, Texas. Prior to this post he worked as an e-Learning consultant for companies across the USA. His primary research focus over the past four years has been the development of online learning Engagement Metrics. Dr. Vaillancourt’s 27 years of service in education includes multiple levels of experience in both private and public educational institutions. His professional positions include Online Campus President for Virginia College, National Dean of ITT's Online Division, Director of Education for Ultimate Medical Academy, President of a two-campus allied health college in Utah, Certified Cisco Academy Instructor, Master Certified Novell Instructor, and K-12 public school science teacher.

Dr. Vaillancourt’s BS and MS in Education were earned from Samford University in 1983 and 1989, respectively. He completed his Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University in May 2004. Dr. Vaillancourt designed, founded and chaired the non-profit National Math Bee (2006-2011), which provided an online learning community for over 15,000 elementary school mathematics students in 37 states across the country.  He was a US Army soldier prior to his career in education.

Activity

maryln, Many institutions have implemented a short essay requirement. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Stephanie, I just spoke with a student on the phone who has (for 4 weeks) been instisting she is following the instructions "exactly" and that her papers are "exactly" like the sample I provided. It took 5 minutes on the phone to allay 4 weeks of frustration for her (and me). I don't know why she was so adverse to speaking with me. It took multiple messages to get the call extablished. But she was pleased at the end of the call, a little sheepish, but pleased and grateful. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Don, I remember the transition had challenges (in 1999), but I don't remember the specifics. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Robert, That continues to be a huge issue with many students. I have even heard statements along the lines of "I don't have to go to college to get the degree, I'll just take classes online." The perception is changing, but not fast enough to allow all students the opportunity to understand the commitment/requirements before they get into it. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Thomas, I know what you mean, sometimes I am writing one student and remeber facts about another student to which I allude and they label the absent-minded professor. ;-] Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Alexander, Yes, the differences in 'qualities' are real. I responded above. I do believe it is not all bad, but there are significant losses at the current stage of online instruction. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Alexander, I appreciate your perspective. My education was much like yours. I believe the students miss out on a lot of 'lessons' and important aspects human interaction. You and I may say 'they should' but this is the reality of the direction of the 'marketplace.' How do we best play the hand we have? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
David, Very true. Good distictions. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Leigh, The personal touch is not so difficult with the 8 - 12:1. I have had that luxury a few times and the students and I were able to become a very effective learning team. I know a couple of students who finished very strong probably would not have completed the course without the tewam approach. Thank you for sharing. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Heidi, I look forward to it. Have fun! Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

End of Content

End of Content