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

Managing Learner Behaviors

Donald, Glad to (help) add to the vocab. (I agree, 3 or less is better.) The common sense approach - good principles to follow.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Subrina, I like that recommendation. I could go for no more than 15 per class section. When there are 'too many' students in a class it is difficult for the instructor, and the students, to keep up with who said what. This makes it more difficult to get to 'know' the people in the class to have deeper, person-to-person academic exchanges. So it is just as important for the students, as it is for the teacher, for the class ratio to be manageable. Also (IMHO), probably most of the folks who believe online class is easier than f2f have never… >>>

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

John, These are excellent steps to be taken. Encouraging student to state rationale for their position sometimes leads to a softning (or even a change) in that position on a topic. Demonstrating your sincere dedication to academic excellence with the 3rd step is a great modeling scenario for the students in the class. Nice going.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Donald, This is an example of excellent adult online pedagogy (andragogy) to get the learners to take control of their own learning by providing them the reasons to do so (for those that need it provided). Very nice work!

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Steve, I have seen several instructors us the "acknowledgement approach" and have stuck with it because it works for them. The positive recognition of the student is very powerful for many - catching them doing something right! It is a good idea, when implemented with care. I would be careful in the assignment of 'extra points' to be sure you follow the institution's policies. Reinforcing ppositive behavior is good, but if it impacts the grade indicating a student's academic performance is more than it actually is there could be a problem. Also, many LMSs provide the option for 'pop up'… >>>

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Steve, Welcome to online instruction - two courses - insights are accurate. The type of work (content) is often a significant consideration as well as institutional policy. Many schools settle in the 20 - 30 range, but courses with a large amount of writing often are set for less than 20.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

So very true! The art & science of teaching come together in those careful repsonses to keep the students progressing toward the desired outcomes. Excellent insight! Keep meeting that challenge - it is a worthy endeavor.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

That is tremendous to respond to each posting from your students. I am sure it is encouraging and reaps the further participation you identify. Do you get a good participation rate from the students responding to each other's postings? Also, linking the feedback in their grading is a good follow up. Nice.

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Sabrina, Your focus on adult learners' responsibility for their work is a critical factor to their success. This can certainly have an impact on instructor-to-student engagement within the online classroom. Along these lines, what do you believe is the optimal number of students in an online class section?

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Catherine, Your approach can be very effective when identifying the credability of the course objectives. It makes the assignment more than the teacher's opinion and gives it authority beyond the immediate participants. Additionally, it might be helpful for the instructor to ask the student to write a thoughtful rationale about his opinion to pass on to the institution's curriculum folks. If his complaint has substance, his rationale may be helpful to improve the course.

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