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

Denise, The relationship you describe between reflective thinking and critical thinking skills is so true. Taking students to higher levels of thinking (as illustrated in Bloom's taxonomy) to solve complex problems is one of the big challenges for today's educators. It is probably more important now because of increased complexities in today's business, medical, engineering, education (and many other) disciplines. Creating that safe, yet challenging environment for students to learn these thinking skills is difficult. This is especially so in today's fast-paced, quick-answer society. Very good point. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Earl, I believe your insights about online instruction (as it is implemented today) are accurate. While the online platform will not replace the traditional classroom format for some students, it may be able to replace the classroom for others. I also agree with you that the "curve is quickly changing." The is a great deal of 'opportunity' in today's formal educational systems to assist students and educators in mastering the tools of online teaching/learning. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Leslie, Your comments coincide with the majority of instructors who have replied. Twenty to twenty-five (some advocate less) seems to be optimal for most postsecondary class sections. The individualized approach is evidenced by the research to have a significant positive impact on learning. Thank you for your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Denise, You are expressing the experience of many. For you to continue to model the different (more productive) way to look at the information is one of the best strtegies. Modeling the correct process in scenario-based learning gives the student a strong contextual understanding at the (Bloom's) application level. Discussing it in the abstract sometimes does not give the student the ability to apply the information appropriately (depending on the learner). Excellent approach - thanks for sharing. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Tom, This is very consistent with many postsecondary online instructors. Many institutions and some accrediting bodies are discussing class section caps in the mid-twenties. While this may not be the ideal many would want, it is better than the 30-35 (or more) that are sometimes seen. Thanks, again, for your input. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Earl, This is a very good list, especially the finale. Following Vygotsky and Piaget, the social connection can have a significant positive effect on learning. Nice job.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Hi Gayle, This is somewhat of an opaque instructional medium, especially while it is still in its infancy. Some instructors have had students (and themselves) post their pictures and write a one to two paragraph biography to share in the student lounge or discussion board. Have you tried these, or any other 'ice-breakers' in your online classes? Thanks for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Amir, This very professional and gentle approach should work very well. Providing the adult learner the opportunity to be 'heard' and seriously considered is often enough to satisfy a student such as this. An addtitional benefit (for all concerned) may be that the student might provide a recommendation that actually improves the course, or leads to an improvement of some kind. Thank you for your contribution.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Patricia, Evaluating discussion posts based on a mixture of quantitative (# of words) and qualitative (meaningful) criteria is a very good start. Adding to that appropriate modeling via your responses in addition to Socratic probing is a great approach for maximizing the students' participation and learning. Very good. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Providing Feedback

Sandra, Criteria-based grading (as opposed to curving) and using rubric established criteria is an excellent approach. It provides a stable backdrop for performance discussions in a more objectively focused conversation. The encouraging tone and vocabulary is the key to maximizing this approach. Again, very nice. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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