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

Leigh, I agree, many students do not understand that the commitment level of the online class is at least as much, if not more, is a traditional class. Continuing to improve our means of setting clear expectations and engaging students early can help get them adjusted. Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dan, This is a tough one. I like your positive, reasoned approach. Providing substantive rationale an opportunity for discussion is a great way to engage the learner at a deeper level, if the intent is a focus on better education. If the learner's motives are not in that direction than providing them the contact information for the represented you indicated is correct. Nice job. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dan, Starting and maintaining that positive approach is very important. The individualized instruction you indicated is very sound. Thank you for your contribution and insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Jennifer, The immediate proximity of a live teacher provides so many intangible benefits to the student–teacher dynamic that it is tough to make up for them in an online environment. Your observation that the online environment makes it much easier for the student to be disengaged is one of the stronger dynamics driving the development of many different technologies designed specifically to better engage the student. Hang in there. Online education is still in its infancy, and it appears better days are ahead. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Leigh, I think I see your point, for the overview a wide range of students the higher number (16 – 20) is good for assessing the class as a whole. For the optimal individualized environment, you would prefer 10. Thank you for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Amy, These are both excellent examples of positive approaches that are individualized for the instructional needs of each learner. Very nice. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Amy, Very good point. While participation in online postsecondary instruction rapidly increases with institutions and students, acceptance is still not universal. The technologies and procedures are still in their infancy with many improvements yet to be implemented. One of those areas for improvement, as you identified, is the ability for the instructor to maintain a robust presence in the online classroom. Some A/V platforms are currently being used, and they help, but the majority of instructor presence in the virtual classroom is often provided through text-based forums. Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Amy, Your experience resonates with most instructors, especially online. You are right, students must be engaged in the achievement of their own education. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Juan, Good point. Getting an understanding of the overall setting or context of a problem can often provide insights toward the resolution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Juan, This is another opportunity where role-based teams may enhance the learning situation. It sounds like a very effective exercise. Thanks for sharing. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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