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

Don, Your approach would make for a strong facilitator. The Socratic questioning method is a great catalyst for keeping the conversation on track and enhancing the depth of the discussion. This looks like a good foundation for being an effective "guide on the side." Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Miguel, Building in flexibility is usually good policy. With well thoughtout constraints, this allows human reason to 'pull the plug' when the rule doesn't make sense. Very good reminder. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Ralph, This is a very good approach, especially with adult learners. They usually have a stronger need for 'real-world' relevance and often have experiences that allow them to comprehend the examples in a robust way. Thank yo0u for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Monica, Many of our students are in great need of this, for sure. Have you found any specific activities that are exceptionally helpful in assisting students to cultivate self discipline? Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Monica, Very good point. Having students reflect on alternate perspectives through cultural sensitivity is an excellent way to expand students' knowledgebases. Do you have any particularly successful demonstrations of cultural sensitivity that are used with reflective thinking? Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Yes, Monica. I agree. Do you have any favorite ways of accomplishing this? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Earl, Your perspective on your role of facilitator is very sound. This is one of the better descriptions of the 'guide on the side' which is so often mentioned. Thanks for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Tom, Well said. Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Quiana, There are many of the same attributes in each situation, as she stated. There are definitely conflicts in both settings that can be very difficult. Please help me to better understand your position by elaborating on the specific item with which you disagree. Thanks so much. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Yes Yi, Taking an objective perspective on a critical thinking task requires a good deal of self-discipline. It is difficult for anyone to divorce themselves from their own values and assumptions. Good point. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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