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

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Kathy, Yes, the 'consummerism' approach to education has some good effects and creates some challenges. One difficulty seems to be the change of focus of effort and resources from the actual quality of education to the indicators of quality of an education (e.g. retention, graduation rate, grades, certifications, etc.). This usually starts to erode the quality of the actual education when we start 'manipulating the ways' to keep students in school, increase graduation rates, raise CGPAs, etc. through efforts other than enhancing instructional/learning quality. Instructor engagement is one of the many means by which instruction/learning may be improved. However, especially… >>>

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

bobbe, Yes, I am very familiar with that 'method.' ;-] This is why experience is such a good teacher. As our experience increases, so does the value of reflection that incorporates all of those cumulative experiences. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Deb, Well stated. These are definitely core characteristics for solid critical thinking. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Deb, This is more important in today's 'information environment' than in many past decades. Because almost anyone can publish on the Internet, information is being 'reconfigured and recombined' is almost limitless ways. Confirming sources of information is both necessary and increasingly difficult in many situations. Thank you for noting this this important item. Very good post. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Blog Comment

Can Admissions Really Have an Impact on Retention?

Hello Dr. Norris,

In some of my former institutions we used to identfy "JJ starts" (from Jeremiah Johnson - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcsXC2xFis4) because, of course, Bear Claw Chris Lapp represented the admissions process as seen by some of the education staff. The three and one half minute video does strike resonance with some. ENJOY!

Dr. V

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Blog Comment

critical thinking and solving problems in health care system

Abdul.Gardezy,

It was a pleasure to work with you in this class. Our discussion identifying 'no shortcuts in critical thinking' was an excellent component of the class. It provided insight that all of the steps must be accomplished in the critical thinking process to get the best results, but time is often a critical factor. This is where experience in the field can often make a huge difference because the more experienced people often can accomplish the process in a much more efficient manner because of simple practice and automaticity. Thank you for your contributions and insights.

Dr. V

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Edward, Yes, the "chunking and linking" instructional technique is usefull in many learning situations. Great approach. Well stated. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Michelle, Very good. Collaborative learning is a proven teachnique to broaden students' perspectives and understanding. Thank you for sharing your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Melissa, Your astute observations about Tim's post are very helpful. Well stated. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Michelle, It makes sense that these would be you primary. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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