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

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Denise, Your optimal ratio 1:20 is in line with what most experts indicate (20-30) for a single class section. Individualizing instruction for students is one of the most powerful components of quality online instruction. (per US dept of Ed - May 2009)

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Providing Feedback

Tanya, These are very professional and reasonable approaches that will likely have a positive effect.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Assisting the Online Student

Tanya, These are excellent interventions you identify. I'm sure they assist many students (who would otherwise quit) to stay on track with their educational pursuits. Do you sometimes have students that are unresponsive to these efforts? If so, does your institution provide additional Learner Services?

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Hi Tanya, Your optimal ratio of 1:25-30 is a very good standard for most online classes. It also provides a manageable student to student interaction ratio so students can get to know one another and form a learning community that is not too large to maintain contact with all.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Hello Tanya, Your point is well taken. Another consideration might be economic feasibility. If the 'convenience factor' of online classes overwhelmingly causes diminishment of students attending certain subjects in the traditional classroom, could it (someday) become cost prohibitive for some schools to maintain those classes in the brick/mortar setting for a handful of students each term?

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors - 2

Hi Mohan, All of these indicated outreach efforts are good, and I know they (in many different combinations) have helped multitudes of students get back on track. I have found the 'schedule' discussion to be the most helpful over the years. Using these strategies in combination can make a difference to many (not all) of our adult learners. Good post - thanks.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Mohan, Excellent point. Time limits are one important component of setting clear expectations. When students know exectly what to do, and when, it is often very helpful to them as they battle the procrastination temptation.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Donna, Your procedure and rationale are clearly well thought out and very sound. I expect you have a high level of student success with this approach, as well as high performing graduates. Your statement of "Sticking to your policies is a must" indicates a high level of integrity being modeled for the students, which is an important component in creating an outstanding learning environment. While I may agree with your 'no exceptions' approach for most classes and situations, there may be circumstances where teachers are required to build flexibility into their deadlines because of institutional policy. Nevertheless, even when flexibility… >>>

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Shawn, You touched on a great point. Some instructors use the rubric for grading only and don't share the specifics with students. Providing clear description of the expectations is perfect when coupled with the positive and negative modeling you describe. Great approach!

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

SPM, Persistence in doing the right thing sometimes wins the day. ;-] Soliciting examples and having students defending their perspectives helps the learners in many ways. Not the least of which is to help them refine their own metacognitive skills, while they come to an understanding of precisely what they actually think, and why. Nice!

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