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Bloom's Taxonomy MicroSim Types

Run the Bloom MicroSim Types Fullscreen
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About This MicroSim

This interactive pyramid infographic helps instructional designers understand which types of MicroSims are most appropriate for each cognitive level in Bloom's Taxonomy. The visualization maps specific simulation patterns to the six levels of cognitive complexity.

How to Use

  1. Hover over any pyramid level to see design considerations for that cognitive level
  2. Click on a level to view a case study of a successful MicroSim implementation
  3. Click again to deselect and explore other levels

MicroSim Types by Level

Level Cognitive Process Appropriate MicroSim Types
L1 - Remember Retrieving knowledge Flashcard games, Matching exercises, Term sorters
L2 - Understand Constructing meaning Animated explanations, Cause-effect demos, Concept maps
L3 - Apply Using procedures Parameter sliders, Scenario testers, Problem solvers
L4 - Analyze Breaking down, detecting relationships Network graphs, Data explorers, Pattern identification tools
L5 - Evaluate Making judgments Comparison simulators, Trade-off analyzers, Judgment exercises
L6 - Create Producing new work Model editors, Free-form design tools, Hypothesis builders

Design Principles

When designing MicroSims for different cognitive levels:

  • Lower levels (Remember, Understand): Focus on clarity, repetition, and immediate feedback
  • Middle levels (Apply, Analyze): Emphasize parameter manipulation and relationship exploration
  • Higher levels (Evaluate, Create): Provide open-ended spaces for judgment and creation

Embedding This MicroSim

You can include this MicroSim on your website using the following iframe:

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<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/automating-instructional-design/sims/bloom-microsim-types/main.html" height="552px" width="100%" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

By the end of this activity, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the six levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and their cognitive processes
  2. Match MicroSim types to appropriate cognitive levels
  3. Analyze the relationship between cognitive complexity and simulation design
  4. Evaluate which MicroSim type best fits a given learning objective

Suggested Activities

  1. Exploration (5 min): Have students explore each level of the pyramid, noting the MicroSim types and design considerations
  2. Matching Exercise (10 min): Present descriptions of MicroSims and have students classify them by Bloom's level
  3. Design Analysis (15 min): Review existing MicroSims and discuss whether their design matches the intended cognitive level
  4. Design Challenge (15 min): Given a learning objective, have students propose an appropriate MicroSim type with justification

Assessment

  • Quiz matching MicroSim types to Bloom's levels
  • Analysis of existing simulations using the taxonomy framework
  • Design proposal for a new MicroSim with cognitive level justification

References