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

Using Reflective Thinking

Robert, Yes, the use of reflective thinking often does provide students the opportunity for better choices. Reflective thinking and enables the student to revisit knowledge and experience to choose the most appropriate to be applied to the task at hand. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Robert, The discipline to slow the processing of data often helps to verify the completeness and accuracy of the data that needs to be used for the resolution. "Pondering" is often the exercise of comparing multiple data points of a given circumstance for this very purpose. Thank you for your insight. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Robert, I think I understand your concern because I experienced a very similar thing myself. Changing the question to include a restatement of what the student said can be helpful. When you restate for the student, focus on one specific component of the students original statement and ask for an explanation based on course content (textbook, discussion posting, other class assigned reading). For example, ask the student to relate his or her statement to the steps for problem solving described in class reading. I hope this helps. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors - 2

Shana, This means of assisting the adult learner to take responsibility for his/her learning and performance is a very good strategy. You are helping the student to see how to clearly identify the challenges, then accommodate life circumstances and academic challenges in a balanced and reasonable approach. Well done. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Providing Feedback

Andrew, This is a very reasonable approach and addresses (very well) the individual issues of each learner. Thank you. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors - 2

Andrew, Individualized contact and problem-solving directly with the learner is probably the most powerful way to address this one. Good call. Thanks for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Andrew, I agree that there will always be those who value the f2f over the virtual, even when the virtual becomes very much like the f2f (e.g. 3D interactivity via life-sized, 'surroundroom' video conferencing), but do you think the availability of the institutional f2f classroom will ever go away as the demand decreases? As technology ger better and cheaper, could it make the traditional class room economically obsolete? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Ginny, Excellent insights. I believe all of your statements are very possible, and most are likely (over the next several decades). Like you stated, we may not be around to see it, but then again...?!? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Shana, This is a very strong approach; to leverage each for the other. Much literature discusses "the best of both worlds" aspect of integrating the online with f2f and the resulting enhancement for both. It seems as though you are recognizing that 'leveraging' effect with the discussion boards. Do you see this enhancement effect in any other areas of either classroom? Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Shana, This is a good, reasonable answer for the foreseeable future. Some things just need the 'real world' experience to provide optimal learning. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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