Professors Receive the Golden Mouse Award

Professors Mark Damen and Fred Baker received the Golden Mouse Award from Utah State Interim Provost Noelle Cockett in December. The award is given to two each year professors for their outstanding use of technology in the classroom.

Damen, a professor in the theatre arts and history departments, has developed a Web-based humanities course. The course uses cyberspace tools such as links to timelines, art and poems instead of using a standard textbook and online discussion is a mandatory part of the course.

"Technology is a collaborative effort," said Damen. “It is a way for students and teachers to work together to facilitate learning.”

Baker, associate professor in the Forest Range and Wildlife Science department, was among the first faculty members at Utah State to become WebCT (online teaching management system) certified and currently teaches three WebCT courses. Baker offered the first College of Natural Resources online course in 1999 and is now a certified WebCT trainer. In his spare time he coaches youth ice hockey.

“It is my hope that Utah State will be able to increase funding for the improvement of technology in classrooms,” Damen said. “There are so many exciting possibilities to be explored.”