An administrator who has advocated for the use of innovative technology to further education will be recognized at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s fall convocation. Dr. David Porter will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
“Dr. Porter is a visionary and catalyst for significant advancements in British Columbia and Ontario particularly in the areas of educational technology, professional development for educators, online learning and open education,” says Dr. Stephanie Chu, vice provost, teaching and learning at KPU.
Porter started his career as a teacher and district consultant in the North Vancouver School District. From there he went to Simon Fraser University as a coordinator in the Professional Development Program. He then worked as an executive director at the Open Learning Agency of B.C. and then moved to BCcampus, where he served as executive director before becoming associate vice-president of learning support and innovation at BCIT. Along the way, he completed both his master’s degree and a doctorate in education.
“I am a lifelong, free-range learner, and I’m continually finding ways to stay inspired and learn new things,” he says.
Porter is currently chief executive officer of eCampusOntario, an organization that leads the collaborative online and technology-enabled learning initiatives of Ontario’s universities and colleges.
“As someone who has been quietly advocating for the benefits of adapting new technology to deliver educational opportunities at the K-12 and higher education levels, I often feel my work will never be done,” says Porter.
“As new technologies appear, my mind races with the possibilities for connecting people to learning by lowering costs, removing barriers, and building communities of knowledge that can be sustained over a lifetime.”
“Dr. Porter has created opportunities for innovative technology uses in education,” says Dr. Alan Davis, president and vice-chancellor at KPU. “For his leadership and vision, KPU is proud to present him with this honorary degree.”
Porter receives his honorary degree on October 9 during convocation.