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

Ginny, This is an excellent ice breaker - I may have to try it. You have voiced a very common concern among many postsecondary online instructors. One approach is to provide all appropriate feedback, correction, recommendations, etc. for each deficiency, but just don't put the minus 2 or 5 or whatever next to every one of the deficiencies. Only subtract points for each type of error, not each error. I have used different colored pencils for each type of error, but it got a little cumbersome for me - but there are others who like it. Thank you for your… >>>

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Shana, Yes, timeline expectations are very important to smooth operations for both parties. I usually just require a return email where the student indicates they agree to the timelines and other classroom expectations. It has worked fairly well for me as I have sometimes (very seldom) had to refer back to it. Have you implemented anything like this in your online classes? Thanks for your feedback. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Providing Feedback

Gayle, Basing the feedback on an established criteria often gives students security that the instructor feedback is more than just the teacher's opinion. It also bolsters the instructor's credibility for using consistency and established standards as a basis for evaluating classwork. The individualizations for each student also fit well with their individual needs. Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Providing Feedback

Gayle, You seem to have a strong affinity for emphasizing positive reinforcement. This very useful in the online classroom to help overcome the sense of isolation that some students are proned to experience. Thanks. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors - 2

Gayle, I like the emphasis on student-to-student collaborative learning. The additional individualized attention may me the extra support he needs to handle the current load. Good ideas. Thanks for sharing. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Ginny, I particularly like your focus on the student-to-student relations' impact on the learning environment. This is often not addressed as many instructors spend any 'extra' time trying to accomplish the (very important) individual attentions to each student. Working some of the student-to-student dynamics can be very beneficial. Very good - thanks. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Ginny, This is a well placed emphasis. I use the phrase "acheive an education" in my institutional welcome letter to the students in contrast to the more familiar "get an education." Your combination of interactive, student-to-student and hands-on instructional strategies like an ideal recipe. Well stated. Thanks for sharing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Developing Analytical Skills

Janet, Reality is sometimes stranger than fiction, but when helping someone solve real problems is usually the best example to follow. Yes, we must also protect the innocent. ;-] Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Kim, I had not thought of the use of reflective thinking for problem solving in relation to massage therapy patient care. Very good insights. I do understand the holistic approach, to some degree, and the need for comprehensive consideration of current circumstances and projected goals. Thank you for sharing this different perspective. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Janet, This is a perfect example of the usefulness of reflective thinking as a tool of problem solving. So much of what you say is reminiscent of personal experience for me. Thank you for sharing. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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