The Long Tail and New Bloom's Taxonomy and Technology

Charonda O’Bryant-Hopkins
Computer Applications/EL5541
Article: The Long Tail and New Bloom’s Taxonomy and Technology
Prof. J. Lerman
February 4, 2009


The articles “The Long Tail” and “Blooms Taxonomy Blooms Digitally” are both enlightening and educational documents. Both sources are enriched with information that is revealing and provides an in-depth perspective as to how individuals think and apply knowledge, data and concepts. Collectively, the articles display several reasons as to why individual philosophy can dictate a person’s thinking patterns and rationale. More importantly, the articles share a common denominator, which implies that a person cannot understand or apply a concept if he or she does not understand it. However, in spite of their numerous similarities, both articles contrast in their own perspectives.
The article “The Long Tail” is particularly interesting, because it discusses human psychology and the nature of how it is influenced by other people. This article holds true about so many beliefs as to why so many people become gullible. One aspect of the article, which is particularly intriguing, is that everyone is influenced by what they hear and see. If someone endorses a particular book, food or clothing apparel it instantly becomes hot commodity. Several novels are mentioned throughout the article and the extent of their success due to reviews and ingenious marketing. It corroborates how recommendations from what other people write or say can influence what sells. Nevertheless, it reminds us that “word of mouth” attests to just more than just selling books, but our entire economic system.
Economics plays a major role in our society. It is the very thing that drives our demand and supply market. The manner in which people spend their money allows retailers the opportunity to paint a picture of how they feel or think they should spend it. They try to target their audience well. Unfortunately, we live in a society that is intrigued by advertisement and high demands to sell books, movies, entertainment, clothes, etc. Consumers are given so many choices that they are often bewildered and unknowledgeable about many of their purchases. They are influenced by what they see and hear, which ultimately dictates what they will buy.
The article “Blooms Taxonomy Blooms Digitally” is very interesting. Bloom’s Taxonomy has been in existence for decades. More importantly, it is currently discussed and modeled in the educational field. Benjamin Bloom’s work has contributed significantly to education. His cognitive objectives, which focus on Higher Order Thinking Skills and Lower Order Thinking Skills explains the thinking process comprehensively. Bloom’s Higher Order Thinking Skills, which includes; Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation gives individuals the chance to expand the knowledge they have learned. These objectives allow individuals better opportunity to recognize key elements associated with Lower Order Thinking Skills.
Unlike, the processes of thinking in the article “The Long Tail”, individuals are able to apply these objectives by doing instead of just by listening. Bloom’s Lower Order Thinking Skills, which includes; Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analysing, Evaluating and Creating gives a clear understanding on these concepts and why they are pertinent to learning. The most interesting aspect of Bloom’s Taxonomy is that is breaks down each objective, so that students are able to grasp the concept and perform it until it is mastered. Unquestionably, Bloom’s Taxonomy provides a host of examples of how to apply and understand the key terms. This is crucial when it comes to teaching students to validate what they have learned.
Despite the disparities between both articles, each one depicts a different view of the thinking process. Regardless, of which approach has a greater or lesser impact, people are still influenced by what they see, hear, and comprehend. Regrettably, we cannot change every person’s philosophy and how they will perceive issues in our society. But, we can provide them with viable tools that will enhance their knowledge and give them a clearer outlook on how they think, or at least think the way that they do.