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

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Jennifer, Most definitely. Inclusion of audiovisual components can often significantly enhance student participation and engagement. Multiple postings of information that can be cross referenced by the student is often very helpful, as well. It sounds like you are well on your way to "creating" an excellent online learning experience for many students. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Assisting the Online Student

Christopher, I like your optimism and energy. Enthusiastic outreach to students does make a big difference in the online classroom. Multiple channels of communications like personal telephone calls, social networking media, student advisors and even US postal deliveries, are all in use by many teachers. I have had many online instructors indicate the inability to "connect with the student" even after implementing all of the above. This form is a perfect opportunity for creative recommendations. Do you have any additional recommendations beyond the identified list? Thank you for your helpful contributions. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Jennifer , You are expressing the view of many excellent teachers. Gartner's insight has helped fashion many instructional design components of online education. While most have not yet been fully implemented, you can see them in some of the more advanced scenario-based, interactive, audiovisual learning objects. As we move away from the text-based online environment these instructional components will become more pervasive in the online classroom. The best is yet to come. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Jane, Your preference is in agreement with a great many online instructors. While there is some research to support the position that larger classes indicate no significant reduction in student satisfaction or mastery of outcomes, there is also research that indicates a detriment to educational quality in larger classes over 20 students. There is still a great deal of research to be accomplished before more conclusive "best class sizes for online classes" standards can be set. Thank you for sharing your helpful insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Maria, Guiding your student to engage in the study everyday is an important recommendation. Consistent and prolonged engagement in learning activities will indeed help them be better prepared for tests and improve their ability to problem solve in the area of study. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Maria, Yes, this is the main benefit of using reflective thinking. Good point. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Maria, It is very good of you to help the students understand what to expect in their future work environment. It will help them be better prepared. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Earlene, Yes, requiring more specificity and clarification may be a great way to allow the student to re-examing his his questions, which could provide additional insight for him. Very good. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

bobbe, Beautiful approach and explanation. Keep up the great work. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Reasoning as a Resource

bobbe, Very true and straightforward. This is a terrific summation. Nevertheless, many students who would even agree with the statements above but may not be able to implement this 'common sense' approach when asked to apply it to specific situations in their areas of study. How do we get them to reason in practice? Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

End of Content