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

Amir, Well stated! Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Nick, I think most people can do remarkable things when put in tough circumstances. My strong suspicion is that for almost all of the students the learning experience is somewhat diminished in those very high ratio class sections Some research has been done, but there is not (yet) an overwhelming amount of evidence to support this position. Although, most educators (of whom I am aware) agree with the smaller class sizes for online classes. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
The Boy Scout motto seems to apply here, too. ;-] Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Amir, Excellent process. Thank you for sharing with this forum.
Hello Nick, I thank you for your dissenting opinion. It is a basis for many advancements in science, education and other disciplines. I agree that the online instructor often has to "step it up a little' to fulfill the instructional responsibilities in the online setting that may take less time/effort in the f2f setting. Would be able to identify specific teacher responsibilities for online that extend beyond those of the traditional classroom teacher. Thank you again for your valuable contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hi Nick, I greatly appreciate your commitment and enthusiasm. Many of us have run out of feasible avenues. Do you have any specific "other directions" with which you have experienced solid success? Please share them with all on this forum for additional conversation. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hi Nick, As you stated, there are many who agree with you. I do sometimes wonder how/if the traditional (and online) classrooms will change over the next 20 years. Instructional technologies are advancing at an increasingly rapid rate.
Nick, I have heard that 100:1 ratios exist at some schools, but I had not yet had one of those schools identified to me. I like the idea of an 8:1 ratio. A class I am currently teaching has 24:1, and a few less students would make the required timeframe for grading reports/papers more comfortable for providing the quality of feedback I like to give. Thank you for your contribution.
Nick, Agreed. This is a very sound approach. Providing full detail for the new framework allows the student the maximum opportunity to take required responsibility for his/her success.
Justine, Very strong. Guide the adult lerarner in the opportunity to evaluate and create solutions to his learning barriers. Good approach. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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