fbpx

Understanding Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy and its Relevance for Adult Learners

Changed: 2024-02-01

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The digital world has evolved significantly in the last few years, leading to a paradigm shift in learning and educational methodologies. One notable model that has gained attention is Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy. Today, we will delve into understanding what is Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy and its implications, especially for adult learners.

Bloom's digital taxonomy.

The Evolution of Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy

Traditionally, Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy was widely acknowledged as a tool for categorizing educational goals. However, with the advent of technology, Bloom’s model has undergone a transformation, leading to the birth of Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy. This revised taxonomy aims to adapt to the contemporary digital world, providing a more dynamic and fluid approach to learning.

The Traditional Bloom’s Taxonomy

In the mid-20th century, Benjamin Bloom introduced a taxonomy to classify learning objectives into three categories: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. The cognitive domain, which focused on mental skills and knowledge, was further divided into six levels: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation.

The Birth of the Digital Taxonomy

Fast forward to the 21st century, Andrew Churches revised Bloom’s taxonomy to match the digital era’s demands. The result was Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy, a framework that incorporates digital tools and techniques to facilitate a modern approach to learning.

Decoding the Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy

Understanding this taxonomy requires breaking down its six levels:

  • Remembering: At this level, learners collect and recall information using digital tools. For example, bookmarking a webpage for future reference.
  • Understanding: This is where learners interpret information in their way. Blogs, comments, or Twitter are common platforms used for this.
  • Applying: Learners apply their knowledge to a real-world situation. Digital simulations or multimedia presentations are common methods.
  • Analyzing: At this stage, learners break down complex problems using analytical tools. Spreadsheets, charts, and graphs help dissect data and information.
  • Evaluating: Learners make judgments or form opinions about the information. This could be through blog comments, collaborative editing, or moderated discussions.
  • Creating: The final stage involves creating new content or products using digital tools, like creating a podcast or designing a webpage.

Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy and Adult Learners

Adult learners bring a unique set of characteristics to the learning table – they’re self-directed, goal-oriented, and have a wealth of life experiences. However, they may also face unique challenges such as time constraints or lack of familiarity with digital tools. Let’s discuss how this taxonomy can aid adult learning.

Learning at Their Own Pace

Adult learners often juggle work, family, and other commitments alongside their learning goals. The flexibility offered by digital learning resources, as exemplified in the Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy, allows them to learn at their own pace and convenience.

Tapping into Existing Knowledge

This taxonomy allows adult learners to tap into their existing knowledge base while acquiring new skills. For instance, they could leverage their analytical skills while dissecting a complex problem or their creativity while creating new digital content.

Enhancing Digital Literacy

In the contemporary world, digital literacy is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. By engaging with digital tools and resources, adult learners can enhance their digital literacy, making them more competent and confident in their personal and professional lives.

Examples of Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy in Action

Seeing is believing. Let’s explore some practical examples of how this taxonomy comes alive in the digital world:

  1. Remembering: An adult learner uses digital flashcards to memorize new terminologies.
  2. Understanding: A learner uses a discussion forum to clarify doubts and understand a new concept better.
  3. Applying: An adult learner uses digital simulation to apply new skills in a risk-free environment.
  4. Analyzing: A learner uses data visualization tools to analyze trends in a complex dataset.
  5. Evaluating: An adult learner uses peer feedback in an online course to evaluate his/her understanding and performance.
  6. Creating: A learner creates a blog or a podcast to share his/her insights and learnings with a broader audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy has redefined the landscape of adult learning, making it more relevant, engaging, and effective in the digital age. By leveraging the power of digital tools and resources, adult learners can enhance their learning experience and outcomes. After all, isn’t the ultimate aim of learning to bloom to our fullest potential?

FAQ

What is Bloom's Digital Taxonomy?

Bloom's Digital Taxonomy is a framework for categorizing educational goals in the digital age. Developed by Andrew Churches as a revision of the original Bloom's taxonomy, this taxonomy adapts to the rapidly evolving digital world. It incorporates digital tools and techniques, offering a more flexible and dynamic approach to learning.

How is Bloom's Digital Taxonomy different from the traditional Bloom's Taxonomy?

While the traditional Bloom's Taxonomy classified learning objectives into cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, the digital taxonomy specifically addresses the cognitive domain within a digital or technology-based context. The six levels – Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating – remain, but are reinterpreted to integrate digital tools and skills.

How can Bloom's Digital Taxonomy benefit adult learners?

Adult learners can greatly benefit from Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. Its flexibility allows them to learn at their own pace, which is crucial for adults juggling multiple commitments. The taxonomy can also tap into their existing knowledge base and enhance their digital literacy, both of which are critical in today's tech-driven world.

Can you provide some examples of how Bloom's Digital Taxonomy is used?

Yes, for instance, an adult learner could bookmark informative articles (Remembering), participate in webinars (Understanding), practice skills on a virtual reality platform (Applying), use Google Analytics for website insights (Analyzing), participate in online debates (Evaluating), and curate a YouTube playlist on a specific topic (Creating).

Is Bloom's Digital Taxonomy only applicable to digital or online learning?

Although the focus of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy is on digital tools and skills, its principles can be applied to any learning environment that integrates technology. This could include blended learning environments that combine traditional classroom methods with digital elements.

How can Bloom's Digital Taxonomy enhance digital literacy among adult learners?

By engaging with the digital tools and resources outlined in Bloom's Digital Taxonomy, adult learners can improve their digital literacy. This means they become more proficient at using technology, enabling them to navigate the digital world more effectively for both personal and professional tasks.