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

Robert, Excellent perspective. What a great description of the qualitative difference in the learning experiences. Thank you for sharing. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dr. Fabian, Your experience and rationale are solid indicators that this is an optimal ratio for the classes you have taught. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dr. Fabian, These are good points. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Kathryn, Excellent explanation and rationale. Also, good use of Covey's work. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Kathryn, Very good approach. Keep the problem at "arm's length" for objectivity. Very good. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Kathryn, The more aware of metacognitive processes (e.g. evaluating one's own cognitve dissonance) is an excellent characteristic. Very good. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Elizabeth, It seems the instructors (the "on-the-ground" educators) should have a place in the formal instructional design process. Most accredited institutions are required to demonstrate the involvement of faculty in the curriculum design process to their accreditor. The rubric may be the result of a collaborative team of teachers, but it may be time to revisit. Best regards. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
ROBERT, Excellent points and rationale. Higher education and professional workplace environments are changing because of computer technology. Teaching online can successfully add a positive element to that. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dr. Aron, Some faculty would equate "meeting participation via the threads" as the counterpart of class lecture/discussion. Nevertheless, the face-to-face discussion has a beginning and end time. The online discussion threads continue 24/7. Good point. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dr. Aron, Very good. Positive reinforcement, when sincere and appropriate, can be powerful. Individualized discussion for a specific student is very helpful. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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