Grosse Pointe South Teacher Honored for Computer Usage

Nicholas Provenzano has converted his Grosse Pointe South English classroom into a nearly paperless environment through his use of technology to implement lesson plans and curriculum.

His use of technology hardly stops at the classroom door. He blogs about education issues. has led live internet converstations about education and will be soon hosting his own internet radio program for Bam! Radio. He also started a hashtag on Twitter last year that drew vast response from people all over about their positive experience with schools and/or teachers.  

According to an email sent this week by South Principal Matt Outlaw, Provenzano has been named the Technology-Using Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning, or MACUL. The non-profit organization promotes the effective use of technology in education and offers support and leadership, according to its website.

The goal is to improve education through technology for the Michigan-based organization.

Provenzano, who managed the successful completion of the cross-country production of Romeo and Juliet in 2010/11 school year, has been integrating technology into teaching for years. He's also served on the district's technology committee.

"I'm really honored..." he said via email Tuesday. "I have spent many hours working to improve my lessons and projects for my students using the best tools out there and it is really nice to be recognized for the effort. I wouldn't be able to do these things without the support of my department chair, Harry Campion, my Principal Dr. Outlaw, my amazing wife Jennifer and everyone in my PLN (Professional Learning Community). They have provided all of the support and encouragement I needed to try new things that make a difference in my classroom."

Provenzano implemented Evernote in his classroom, allowing his students to take notes on classroom iPads--the factor that has helped him become nearly paperless. He used Evernote in such a manner that he was named as Evernote's Education Ambassador last school year, he said, noting his is considered the "go-to" guy for implementation of Evernote into schools.

Additionally, Provenzano has published two books about using Evernote in the classroom and is working on a third book about project-based learning like that of the Romeo and Juliet production. 

He announed this week his newest endeavor to host a 30-minute internet radio show involving educators from around the world to discuss student engagement. 

The award will garner Provenzano a year-long membership to the MACUL and a free conference fee plus hotel stay for the annual conference.