Let’s be real: we live in a world where students can Google just about anything faster than you can say “formative assessment.” So how do we actually teach them to think? Not just regurgitate facts, but analyze, create, and contribute?
If you’ve ever built a course, led a training, or stared at a blank document labeled “Learning Objectives,” chances are you’ve bumped into Bloom’s Taxonomy. And if you haven’t yet, welcome to your new favorite thinking tool.
The Original Bloom’s Taxonomy
Back in 1956, educational psychologist Benjamin Bloom and a team of brilliant minds published a book called Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. Their goal? To create a shared language for teachers, a way to talk about curriculum and assessment with clarity and purpose.
Originally designed for college professors, it quickly found its way into every corner of the education world, from K–12 classrooms to corporate training programs. The taxonomy’s classic six-tier pyramid helped educators define the level of thinking required for any given task, from simple memorization to full-blown innovation.
Original Bloom’s Taxonomy
Here’s what the original levels looked like:
- Knowledge
- Comprehension
- Application
- Analysis
- Synthesis
- Evaluation
Diagram of Bloom’s original taxonomy with the Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation levels.
Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy
Then the early 2000s showed up with low-rise jeans, flip phones, and a revised version of the taxonomy. In 2001, Bloom’s colleague David Krathwohl and one of his students, Lorin Anderson, gave the framework a refresh. Out went the nouns, in came action verbs. The top two levels were swapped, too, putting Create at the peak where it belonged because let’s be honest, building something new takes serious brainpower.
Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy
Here’s what the revised levels looked like:
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyze
- Evaluate
- Create
Diagram of Bloom’s revised taxonomy with the Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, and Create levels.
And with that, Bloom’s Taxonomy became more than a classroom tool: it became a design framework for anyone crafting learning experiences.
Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy
If Bloom’s original taxonomy was the analog mixtape of learning, carefully structured and beautifully layered, then the digital version is the remix for a world that’s always online, always creating, always Googling.
In 2008, educator Andrew Churches took Bloom’s revised taxonomy and added a digital spin. His goal? To help educators design learning experiences that reflect how people actually think, share, and create in today’s tech-driven world.
The structure stayed the same, but the verbs evolved to meet the moment. Let’s break it down by level:
| Level | Cognitive Focus | Digital Verbs |
|---|---|---|
| Remember | Recognize, recall | bookmark, favorite, Google, search, link |
| Understand | Summarize, interpret, explain | tweet, annotate, comment, categorize, subscribe |
| Apply | Use, implement, carry out | upload, share, edit, present, execute |
| Analyze | Differentiate, examine, break down | mind map, deconstruct, mash, tag, validate |
| Evaluate | Judge, critique, defend | blog comment, network, moderate, editorialize, rate |
| Create | Design, construct, generate | blog, code, podcast, film, wiki, publish |
Imagine This:
- Instead of taking a quiz, a student creates an explainer video.
- Instead of answering discussion board questions, they moderate a class forum.
- Instead of writing a summary, they live tweet a case study.
While the tools have changed, cognitive growth is still the goal.
Why It Matters
Because:
- Remembering ≠ Knowing
- Knowing ≠ Applying
- And applying? That’s just the starting line.
Today’s learners are already editing TikToks, remixing memes, reacting to content, and collaborating on Google Docs. Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy helps us align these everyday digital behaviors with meaningful learning outcomes.
This isn’t about throwing tech at a lesson just to feel modern. It’s about making intentional choices that meet learners where they are and help them move up the ladder of thinking in ways that feel natural, relevant, and empowering.
Bringing Blooms into Your Design Process
You don’t need to reinvent everything, just rethink how you frame it.
- Start with a verb. Are learners explaining, comparing, or creating?
- Make it digital. Could a podcast replace a worksheet? Could a Canva project do more than a slideshow?
- Target the right level. Don’t aim for “Create” if learners are still trying to remember the basics, and don’t stop at “Understand” when they’re ready to innovate.
Final Thoughts
Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy isn’t a new set of rules, it’s a fresh lens. One that helps you build smarter, more connected learning experiences. One that says: hey, critical thinking and creativity aren’t stuck in a textbook, they’re alive and well on YouTube, in podcast feeds, and across collaborative platforms.
So, the next time you plan a course, a training, or a single objective, ask yourself: “What’s the digital version of this cognitive skill and how do I make it stick?”
Chances are, the answer’s more fun, more interactive, and way more effective than another multiple-choice test.
And if you want a thought partner for your next brainstorm? I’m just a message away. I’ll bring the taxonomy chart, you bring the snacks. 🍿💡