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

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Stephanie, I have enjoyed our dialogue. Thank you for your enthusiastic, and insightful contributions. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Cecilia, In today's society of "image is everything" attitude, truth can be a difficult thing to obtain. Critical Thinking is often a valuable tool, but sometimes not enough. Thank you for sharing. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Cecilia, Yes, another support to your perspective is that lawyers almost never ask a question (in court) because they need to the answer, it is almost always to make a particular point. The courtroom (in today's reality) is much more like a stage for each side to present their bias story than it is for an investigation of the truth. Good points. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Cecilia, Your process of taking time is an important one. Thought is a physiological proces and thus takes time. Quick decisions are sometimes referred to as "half-baked" for the very reason you indicate. Nice job. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Stephanie, Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I totally agree that Critical Thinking is not always the appropriate deciding approach (most of the Arts, for example come from a very affective perspective). My comments were related primarily to the application of Critical Thinking (as appropriate) within the cognitive realm. In most of us humans, those two are not often easily separated. Additionally, even in the critical thinking arena (I believe) unique perspectives can be very helpful in so much as they are additive in nature (expanding the viewpoint) and not narrow, restrictive or exclusionary. As a science and technology teacher… >>>

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Hello Stephanie, This often a difficult construct to adequately demonstrate (with wide-range acceptance), especially at the undergraduate level. Many students desire a single correct or best answer. When, in fact, there may be many. Especially when we discuss right or wrong, in today's society, it may need to be taken a few steps further in order to properly discern whether or not there is a single right answer. For instance, is it 'right' to let each person decide 'individually' when it may be right or wrong to kill someone. It may be that the real critical thinking it likely to… >>>

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Providing Feedback

Deborah , This is a sound and comprehensive response for both students. Basing your discussion on the objective criteia of the rubric is strong confidence builder for the students that there IS a right answer. Very nicely done. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Developing Analytical Skills

Luke, This sounds like a terrific approach. Can you provide the group with an example from your online class? Thanks so much. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Deborah , The text forums are often a more difficult medium than audio communication when technical communications with student to clarify details are needed. It seems as though your are applying the appropriate mediums to varying instructional situations. Nice job. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Deborah , Many instructors agree. The nature of the content can have many implications for the class dynamics. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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