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

Dave, Yes, these are all significant factors to consider. Good point. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Barbara, Well stated. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Barbara, Your re-focus on the learning goals is so right. Sometimes we get caught up in the processes that we cannot clearly see that they are a means to an end. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
James, Providing the student with directions to the appropriate SMEs who control curriculum content can allow the institutional team to get a 'first hand' look at the impact to the learner. This can have a positive impact for the organization when accomplished in right way through appropriate channels. Additionally, you may want to review the questions to see if there is a learning opportunity for both you and the student. I have found many times that I may learn more about my content area and how to better teach it when these types of issues arise. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
James, The main focus in this situation is to get the student to have an honest and realistic understanding of the accomplishment of the objectives. Which I believe is what your approach is working to do. Additionally, some motivational language to 'connect' with the student could have a positive impact on the overall outcome of your instructional efforts. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
James, Very good point. This is one place where the teacher's conviction to the accomplishment of the class objectivescan be made clear and have a tremendous effect on the class as a learning community. Thank you for this contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Barbara, Encouragement and empowerment are our most significant avenues of influence. We, as instructors, cannot be satisfied with minimal effort in these enterprises. Yet, each adult learner is ultimately responsible for their own learning. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
James, I agree we need to have the adult learners accept the responsibility for their own learning. Sympathy for them is not a productive response, in fact it can significantly negative consequences. Sometimes the students who come to our institutions haven't had the encouragement or understanding to pursue the correct avenues and they have only been 'punished' for not getting it right. As I stated, I agree with you that sympathy is a poor response to many of the issues. What are some of your more successful avenues of response? Thank you for sharing your expertise. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Barbara, No doubt you are right. The hands on training (in today's instructional environment) is imperative for fields like yours. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
James, Yes there are many challenges to teaching classes online. As the technologies change and distance education pedagogies are formulated, we will continue to find more classes being taught online. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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