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

Mark, I agree that good solid instruction is best facilitated by a human connection between the instructor and student. Do you think real-time audio/visual lessons could be almost as good, someday? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Mark, I agree. What do you identify as the top 3 expectations a teacher should set to best help his/her students? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hello Edward, Reiteration in different venues is a good way to increase your students' opportunities for success. Hang in there with the 'multiple front' approach. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Christopher, This is an excellent practice to enhance student engagement and expanded learning. Can you share a couple of the more interesting articles you have found? and... THANK YOU for your contribution to this thread. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hello Justine, You are right on target with most of the research and anecdotal information I have accessed to date. Additionally, the student-to-student communications seem to be much more useful in class sections of 20, or so. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Edward, Great illustration of the point! Chunking and linking of classroom policies & logistics is a terrific approach. What is your best method of making sure they are downloading and /or viewing the communications? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hello Sandra, I wholeheartedly agree with the actions you indicate above, but could you expound a little on each for us. Thank you for sharing your contribution.

Hello Jeremy, I am very sorry to hear of your wife's experience. My experience and conversations with many on these forums indicate that more schools are implementing standards like the Colorado Technical University model you mentioned. While there are still many institutions that have not yet engaged the more rigorous instructor requirements, the industry as a whole seems to be moving in that direction. I think if the instructors who desire this trend will continue to replace those who do not, then online education will continue to move toward the higher quality that students deserve. Thank you, again, for your… >>>

Hi Jeremy, You are absolutely correct that the adult learners on the other end must accept responsibility for their education - you can't learn it for them. Do you have some methods of conveying this that have been especially successful? This is one consistent need of all online instructors. Thank you for your contribution.

Hello Jeremy, I know what you mean. Over the past two decades I have been a postsecondary student and instructor in both online and traditional settings. Many of my experiences correspond exactly to what you are describing. However, I did have the good fortune to take several online graduate courses that were very robust and taught well (not just 'facilitated') because multiple a/v technologies were used to enhance the human connection. Many of these technologies are just starting to be more integrated into the newer versions of many LMS platforms. I hope you have the opportunity in the near future… >>>

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