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

Pilar, This is where I see teachers like you making a huge difference. Many behaviors (reflective thinking is a cognitive behavior) are taught 'indirectly' by modeling the behavior - and discussing - while accomplishing a different primary task. This often demonstrates the behavior itself and also demonstrates the value of the behavior. Thank you for your reflective insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ann Marie, This is correct in many situations. However, in my experience, many times the student doesn't make that connection. Thus, we have a teachable moment. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ann Marie, These are the right components for an adult learning group. Do you use roles, with assigned tasks, to assist with coordinating the analysis process? Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Pilar, The cooperative learning you describe indicates a fairly open structure. Is there an individual accountability feature in this structure for each individual to be accountable to the group for deliverables within the project? Robert Slavin (and others) indicated this to be an important feature in group work from a practical standpoint. Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ann Marie, This is one place where "haste makes watse" probably applies very well, particularly in today's Internet world where anyone 'publishes' whatever they want to publish. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ann Marie, This is a good general general description, which includes critical thinking as a component of intelligence. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Don, I agree with you that more verbal interaction is required in the online classroom to compensate for the robust non-verbal communication that naturally occurs in f2f sessions. However, I don't quite understand your statement "As a student the physical presence of an instructor cannot be judged." Please elaborate on this aspect, it sounds interesting. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Miguel, Taking the metacognitive approach can be very effective with adult learners, if their challenge is honest. Good insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Don, There is no motivation better able to empower a teacher to be a great teacher. When you presence conveys this to the students, it is also a tremendous motivator for most of them. Very good. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Miguel, Good call. Your prognostication already underway...that deeper blending is already occurring at many institutions. Some project that technology will develop (in a few decades) to the point where '3D' video-conferencing over the internet will be almost the same as "working side by side." It could be exciting. Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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