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

Ervin, Very good point - the students will often 'get' the importance of the course from the teacher. I know I had an undergraduate history professor that made me (a math/science student) feel like her class was one of the most important subject I would take. I would never have thought that on my own. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Leslie, Using multiple avenues of assistance can help reinforce that knowledge for the student. Sometimes stduents assume teachers don't care unless proven otherwise. Helping them out of the 'victim role' by applying resources to fit their individualized needs is a great plan. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ervin, Your point is a good one. Grades are a reporting tool to indicate level of performance, not to reward effort. Nevertheless, the two are often (not always) highly correlated. Providing the feedback based on the student's individualized need for improvement in performnce is the right way to go. Thank you. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Leslie, Encouraging participation by posing engaging questions is a very good approach. Then follow-up with individual, private advising can greatly strengthen the outreach. What would you say is the success rate of this approach for you? Thank you for your input. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ervin, I'm not sure that is an 'across-the-board' experience. I have been involved with several different institutions (mainly allied health) that are experiencing tremendous growth in online programs. Without mentioning names, what type of institutions have you recognized to experience dropping enrollments? Thank you for your contributions. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ervin, This range is recommended by many good online instructors of postsecondary institutions. Good comment. Thanks for sharing. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ervin, This is a popular approach by good online instructors. Very good recommendation. Thanks for sharing. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Janet, The more mature learners are a joy in many ways. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Janet, This is a terrific approach! What a great vehicle to open lives to 'a better way' and tremendous growth opportunity. Many thanks, both (1) for doing this as a great teacher and (2) for sharing it with us. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
yi, Well stated. I will probably use this description in the future. Thank you for this insightful post. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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