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

Faculty Expectations

Hi John, I definitely like your approach. The balance between approachability and requiring student ownership of their own learning is a progressive adjustment with many students who are new to online. The indication of expected work time for each assignment is a great idea!

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Cecelia, Thank you for your contribution. Your premise that some students will immediately do well in the online environment and others will struggle is consistent with the what online instructors have seen in past online classrooms, as well as what most are seeing in today's online instructional settings. Do you think, maybe, the advancements and 'socialization' of instructional teachnology may someday make the traditional classroom no longer necessary for certain classes?

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

John, The frustration you identified is all too common. Your list of 'elements' is a good one. The Student Preparedness is not often mentioned. That is a good description and it is very helpful. What would be the criteria (time, # of attempts, etc.) you would have the instructor use to indicate "how much effort" the teacher expects? I expect it would vary from activity to activity, course to course, and even teacher to teacher, but what are your primary criteria? Thanks for this helpful contribution.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Assisting the Online Student

Good points, Vincent. The peer learning community is probably an 'underused' resource in many online classes. I agree that the inherent support structure at the school often accommodates some approaches better than others. Persistence in seeking additional avenues of outreach will often uncover positive results.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Amy, You are not alone. Some of the most powerful mentoring tools for individualing the instruction are the corrective, and confirming, feedback you provide via submitted assignments and assessments. Individualizing the responses that takes each student to 'their next level' of understanding requires more time and effort, but it is clearly an avenue of enhanced learning for each student as you master the art. You will also see an enhancement of the quality in individualized email and phone communications - and maybe a diminishment in the quantity.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Vincent, Your first hand experience concurs with the findings of many. Thank you for your contribution to the information pool.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Vincent, Modeling the desired performance is one of the best (classic) instructional methods. Additionally, asking the questions that solicit additional input not only provides opportunity to enhance student engagement, but (as you stated) enhances learning for the students. Thanks for your insights.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Amy, These are strong components to a solid approach. Clarity on the deadlines and consequences is a critical part of setting class expectations for a quality learning experience. Emphasizing your availability and desire to answer all questions is very important to the 'two-way' street, as well. Nice job.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Jake, That works. Thanks for contributing your insights.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Patricia, I agree. Good move to create the peer tutoring. The 'cooperative learning' approach is helpful to both students. There is almost no better way to learn something than to teach it.

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