Wendy Gorton is an enthusiastic Google Certified Teacher, Google Apps EDU Certified Trainer, and a lifelong learner. She has taught 4th graders in Los Angeles, been an elementary technology coordinator, a university technology specialist, online teacher, and curriculum developer and research assistant. She is passionate about project-based learning and using awesome technology like Google Apps to open her students up to collaboration and to the world!

Her Master’s degree is in educational technology, where she focused on finding out how real-world science projects using technology increased motivation in her students, and she particularly enjoys research experiences for teachers, helping bring the world of science and social studies to her students using technology as a NOAA Teacher at Sea, Earthwatch Educator Fellow, PolarHusky Teacher Explorer, JR Teacher at Sea, and NEH Fellow, everywhere from learning archaeology in Wisconsin to helping build shelters for sick Tasmanian devils in Australia to dog-sledding in Scandinavia!

Networking with groups such as the Google Certified Teachers amazes her in the ability to find new tools, new project ideas, and–her favorite!– new classes to collaborate with on real-world projects. She loves the power of a PLN (personal learning network) and can’t wait to continue learning with and from folks at conferences!