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

Instructor Presence

Justine, It is currently much more difficult to know your students in the online classroom than traditional. Those two communication channels are the main ones available to most current online instructors. As the technology bridges are enhanced between social electronic networking and the online classroom, that too will change. Over the next decade there will be much more audio/visual communication added in the online classroom to alleviate some of the 'distance.' Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Assisting the Online Student

Allen, Your emphasis on the quality of the activity, not just going through the motions, is the key to what you're saying. The approach you identify as many strengths. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Allen, Your adjustment process into the online instructor role is a familiar one. Many go through these experiences as they make the transition â€“ for some it's more difficult than it is for others. The bottom line is (or should be) the same. Great post! Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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Faculty Expectations

Allen, I agree, totally, for the online instructor to allow students full knowledge of teacher availability and response timelines. The philosophy of disclosing that you have another job is acceptable in some institutions but not in others. I see how identifying the 'day job' could be helpful, especially if it is in the field you are teaching. However, some (a minority) institutions believe students may have a negative impression of a "part-time" teacher. I would recommend clearing it with the administration before providing that information. Excellent post. IQ for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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Defining Intelligence

Leslie , These are excellent points of information. Many positions within the healthcare field require both high-level technical skills and good interpersonal skills. The combination of these two intelligences is not found in everyone. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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Discipline in Critical Thinking

Leslie , Well said. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Leslie , This is an excellent point. I don't think you're in the minority. Most people's initial response is the same as yours. Most of those who practice the "rule of thumb" have had to discipline themselves to do so. It is truly a skill to be developed for most of us. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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The Responsibilities of Teaching Online

Susan, Again, you have hit the nail on the head. This synchronous, nonverbal communications available in the face-to-face setting provide efficiencies over the online environment. However, the instructors responsibilities to guide the learning and meet the student at their point of need are still the same. Very nice. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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Assisting the Online Student

Susan, Helping the adult learner take responsibility for their participation in their learning is exactly the right approach. You brought up an excellent point about the blended classroom. The intervention you described is one of the strengths of blended/hybrid that provides indication it is "the best of both worlds." Some research even indicates that a well implemented blended class can be superior to that same class provided in either delivery method (face-to-face or online) exclusively. Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Susan, Yes, there are trade-offs and the "lightbulb" moments are less apparent in the asynchronous, text environment. The audiovisual interactive communication that allows the teacher and student to see and hear each other is becoming more prevalent in some of the newer LMS implementations. I'm sure you're right that many of the "hands-on" career tracks will continue to require the traditional classroom/lab for at least several more years. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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