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

Gilbert, Fair enough, there are many situations with many circumstances to compare/contrast. Good points. Thank you for contributing your insights.
Hi Gilbert, Very true. I was really asking your thoughts on comparably seasoned teachers within each setting - apples to apples, so to speak. Is online teaching significantly more (or less) effort than f2f, based on your experience?
Gilbert, Well placed skepticism. "Vaporware" as we refer to it, is abundant, but until the hardware/software actually exist the anticipation can be frustrating. Very good points. All, Any comments from the floor?
Hi Gilbert, Agreed. The current systems and technology have a great deal of 'opportunity' for improvement. Many expect great improvement in very few years. Would you be willing to discuss some of the "problems inherent in this approach" to which you alluded? We (all class participants) may be able to work through some resolutions on this forum. Thank you for your contribution.
Gilbert, Well stated. Would you say the effort to fulfill the same responsibilities is greater or lesser in the online classroom?
Hello Nicole, Nice approach. Asking the student to lead their own learning direction is a powerful engagement technique.
Hello Amy, I agree. In addition to the verbal conversations, by phone, have you used texting? Some online instructors have indicated significant success with it.
Hi Cecelia, I understand. There are many different opinions out there and many who agree with you. It will be fun to see the progress of the technology. Thank you for your generous contribution to this discussion. Have a great weekend.
Hi Cecelia, Right on all counts. The facilitator role is an art that can continuously be refined with each touchpoint. Your ability to help the students power the discussion will continue to improve with the approach you described. Nice job - thanks for your contribution.
John, Your post is very insightful. Nice analysis. The course of action you propose for each is solid, especially the individual contact to dialogue and listen to the student's additional difficulties. These external difficulties (in my experience) are often the 'straws' overburdening the student's ability to adquately pursue the learning. Nice job.

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