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

Joye, Enjoying your students' learning on an indivual basis is such a treasure for a real teacher. Well done. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Joye, I have had online classes from 1 to 103. My optimum is between 10 and 15 for most topics I teach. This provides for both individualized attention from me and good group dynamics among the students. Maximum (in today's online environment) should probably be around 25. Setting the 'tone' and solid expectations is critical when handling the larger groups. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Joye, You are in good company. This is the general concensus among veteran online instructors, in most situations. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
sahbaa, Yes, encouraging the student to discuss challenges with you in a respectful manner is a direct route to a resolution in many cases. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
sahbaa, This is a primary approach to use. Private communications are best when correcting an individual student's situation. Very good. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Laura, There is no one approach to this situation. Providing explanation and requesting clarification is a reasonable way to go. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
John, You are correct. The use of self-evaluations, when skillfully applied, can be helpful. Also, by sharing rubrics with students it reinforces the idea that the grade is derived by something other than how well the teacher likes them. Very good points. Thanks. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Laura, The avenues of assistance you identify can be very effective. Like you, all online instructors experience some of the students who "just move on." Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Laura, Your reasons are very valid. Do you think development of future technologies may help overcome some of these limitations? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Laura, Your sentiments are shared by many. However, the practical limitations will probably not allow your ideal of six students per instructor to be realized in today's online learning environment. Can you think of any tools in the online environment that may get your optimum number closer to the 15? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

End of Content

End of Content