NORMAN – University of Oklahoma Associate Professor Bruce Mason recently was recognized for his outstanding service to the Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching organization at a conference held this summer in New Orleans.

MERLOT is an online, user-centered, searchable collection of peer-reviewed, higher education, online learning materials created by registered members.  The organization strives to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning by increasing the quantity and quality of peer-reviewed online learning materials that can be easily incorporated by faculty members into their courses.

Mason, who teaches in the OU College of Arts and Sciences Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, received MERLOT’s highest honor for his many personal contributions to the organization and his dedication through serving as a visionary and leader.  He was selected by previous winners in consultation with MERLOT management.

“I was fortunate enough to become involved with MERLOT at the very beginning of this multi-state, multidisciplinary work,” said Mason.  “Phil Moss, recently retired from the State Regents Office, was instrumental in my connection to this project. I want to thank Phil for this opportunity, as well as all the people who are part of MERLOT.”

In addition to the 98 learning materials submitted, the nine personal collections and the activity sheets he has produced, Mason has served as editor of the MERLOT Physics Editorial Board since its inception in 1999 and as portal editor for the Physics Discipline.  He also has served as the editorial board representative on the MERLOT Advisory Board. 

For more information on MERLOT, visit their Web site at www.merlot.org.