Vol. 1, Number 11

June 1, 2007

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

Altruistic in heart and high energy in body, Tahani Henderson may be a few years out of college but brings discipline to her work and hobbies. Aiming to get in shape, an interest in Tae Kwon Do grew when she began sparring competitively.

“This sport has challenged me in ways that have made me a better person,” she said. “I’ve become more disciplined and focused.” 

The younger of two children, her sister Melissa is training for the 2008 Olympics as a marathoner representing the country of Belize, where her family originates.

“My family lives here in Houston but my parents are preparing to return to Belize in the fall to pursue full time ministry,” she said.

 
 
 
 

 

 

....anywhere … anytime learning with Tahani Henderson!

Call her a merchant of virtual wares and travel agent through the digital divide–Tahani Henderson works in the division of Digital Learning and Instructional Technology for the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE).

“One of the goals of the division was to develop what is now known as the Virtual Education Portal,” Henderson said. “The Virtual Education Portal serves as a sort of one-stop shop for online products for the educational community.”

Laura and TahaniAs part of No Child Left Behind, school districts were required to integrate technology. Henderson said school districts began contacting HCDE for guidance on online products and ways to integrate technology in the classroom. In response, the department created the Digital Learning & Instructional Technology division three years ago and researched products for professional development and classroom instruction.

“We were able to determine that the products on the portal are the best fit for our school districts,” Henderson said.

HCDE provides free consulting to districts, private schools and charter schools in order to determine how these products can assist with achieving goals in their schools. Participating companies in the portal provide most of the implementation. 

“We simply make the connection with the school district, private school or charter school be it at a site visit or during a conference to make them aware of their options as far as online education is concerned,” Henderson said. 

A recent college graduate from Oral Roberts University, Henderson studied broadcast Tahani and Sally Yang journalism and worked as an intern in radio and television. Her position as marketing and support specialist with the Digital Learning and Instructional Technology division followed a temporary job with HCDE at the technology help desk. 

HCDE is a tax-assisted non-profit organization that has served Harris county public schools since 1889. The only other department of education in the state is Dallas County Schools.
As an agent facilitating passage through digital education, Henderson recommends starting small, exploring what works best and being willing to accept change because technology is always changing.

“See what types of programs other schools are implementing and learn from them to discover what works and what doesn’t,” Henderson said advocating for educating yourself and networking. “Find organizations like TXDLA that can provide best practices for implementation of distance education and glean everything you can.”

Ed Note: Tahani is an active member of TxDLA and is currently the Membership Committee chairperson.

Contributed by Cheryl LaRue, North Lamar ISD