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

Beth, This is an excellent example. Most professional level tasks require reflective thinking on a frequent basis. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Beth, The time, effort and dedication seem to be getting more sparse among post secondary students when it comes to applying themselves to critical thinking. I believe your insights are very accurate. Thanks. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Beth, Just like in real estate (location, location, location), inmost cognitive development situations a major component for success is practice, practice, practice. Very good point. This is not just for memorization and low level cognitive skills, but even for those in the upper echelons of Bloom's taxonomy. Very nice. Thanks. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
John, This is a good summation of many of the 'first level' challenges. Much of the effort toward solutions to these issues resides in the data collection and analyses being developed behind the scenes, at a deeper level. Over the next several years we should see academic analytics having a positive impact toward helping online instructors assist their students in immediate and tangible ways. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Emily , I like your numbers and rationale. There is much that supports this as a good ratio - academically. The pragmatic business/financial constraints often override a cap at this level. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Joye, Getting the students to respond beyond the initial post can sometimes get them into a "hearty" engagement in the topic with fellow learners. Very nice. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Joye, Both of these are good points. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Joye, This is a solid approach and good objectives for the discussion. In the very public setting affirmations of appropriate postings by students with thought-provoking questions to extend the discussion is the focus. Very good. Thanks. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
William, This is another excellent approach, being careful to confirm students' thoughts and ideas only when the aptly address the situation. Playing devil's advocate (in a Socratic manner) is an excellent way to challenge students toward appropriate problem solving skills. Nice job. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
William, Producing the contingencies you identified is often difficult for the inexperienced. This is an excellent exercise and requires thorough and specific feedback to eliminate incorrect assumptions student part. Again, this is a terrific approach. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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