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

Joel, The value of non-verbal communication is often keenly recognized when moving from the traditional classroom into the online class. Many instructors point to this as one of the most noticeable differences. Thanks for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Michael, One of the best uses of Critical Thinking is using it to make proactive decisions - to judge the effects of one's actions, before taking action. - Very true! Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Faith, This is an excellent example of multiple intelligences coming together to provide a more comprehensive solution. Very good point. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Faith, While my question is primarily concerned with how discipline could assist with critical thinking, I never had looked at it in the reverse. Thank you for the "new perspective." Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Breezy, These are all excellent expectations to set at the beginning of class. Especially drawing the students attention to the reason for your high expectations. Very good. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Faith, It is so sad that your previous statements are so accurate. Today's critical thinking skills include research about the research sources that did not need to exist a few decades ago. Our justice system uses an old and outdated oath(yet, I believe it represents the correct paradigm – though it has been abandoned) for witnesses in the courtroom. The determination of "...the whole truth and nothing but the truth" is so distorted by contemporary media and hidden agendas that the objective truth is often very difficult to locate. Many times this is so because the "simple truth" is a… >>>

Sandi, It is a very controversial question. For many, it seems like it is just a matter of time (five years?, 10 years?, 25 years?, 50 years?). Nevertheless, it should be interesting to see the evolution as it occurs. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Sandi, Your redirection to additional online resources is an excellent "extra" step. This would provide the student with substance and direction for the response to your question. Otherwise, he/she may feel inadequate to respond and avoid the desired engagement. Very nicely done. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Jennifer, Your requirement would definitely provide benefit to the students. Do you have any particular means for enforcement? More specifically, I am curious about the "rewards and consequences" involved with this approach. Thank you for your contributions and insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Justine, Your feedback to these students is individualized and appropriate. Very nice job. Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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