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Unlocking Proficiency: Mastering Application Skills in Online Learning

Updated: Jun 22, 2023


Online student thinking

As you strive to provide the best learning experience for your students, it is critical to recognize the significance of guiding learners to the "apply" level in Bloom's Taxonomy. By incorporating strategies that foster active application, you can empower your students to truly grasp and utilize the knowledge they gain from your online course.



Bloom's Taxonomy serves as a valuable framework for classifying educational objectives, with "application" representing a pivotal stage in the learning process. While acquiring knowledge and comprehending concepts are important initial steps, facilitating application enables learners to go beyond passive consumption and actively engage with the subject matter.




Here are a few reasons why reaching the "apply" level is essential in online learning:


Real-World Relevance:

By encouraging learners to apply what they learn, you bridge the gap between theory and practice. This connection to practicality enhances their ability to solve problems and make informed decisions in real-world scenarios. Through application, learners develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the skills necessary to apply it effectively.


Cultivating Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:

The "apply" level nurtures critical thinking and creativity, enabling learners to develop essential problem-solving skills. It prompts them to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information, fostering a higher level of cognitive engagement. These skills are invaluable in various contexts and empower learners to approach challenges with confidence.


Long-Term Retention:

Active application solidifies knowledge and improves long-term retention. Studies have shown that learners who engage in active learning techniques, such as application, demonstrate higher levels of knowledge retention compared to those who rely solely on passive learning methods. By incorporating practical application into your course, you enhance learners' ability to remember and apply the knowledge over time.


Skill Development and Practical Experience:

Online courses offer a unique opportunity to facilitate skill development and provide practical experience. By encouraging learners to apply what they learn, you enable them to practice new skills, experiment with different approaches, and build expertise. Active engagement with the course content enables learners to transfer theoretical knowledge into practical competence.


How to Ramp Up Your Application Game In Your Course


To effectively guide your learners to the "apply" level, consider incorporating the following strategies into your online course:


Practice-Based Assignments:

Design assignments that require learners to apply the concepts and skills they have acquired. Incorporate case studies, simulations, or real-world projects that challenge learners to utilize their knowledge in practical scenarios.


Discussion Forums and Collaborative Activities:

Create online discussion forums or group activities where learners can exchange ideas, share perspectives, and collaboratively solve problems. Encourage active participation to stimulate critical thinking and enhance the application of knowledge.


Reflective Exercises:

Include reflective exercises that prompt learners to consider how they can apply the course content to their personal or professional lives. Encourage them to reflect on the implications of the concepts and how they relate to their own experiences.


By implementing these strategies, you will empower your learners to actively apply what they learn and maximize the value of your online course. Remember, online learning provides a flexible and self-paced environment that fosters active engagement.


Through effective application, your students can translate knowledge into practical skills and achieve their learning goals.


In what ways to you encourage your students to apply what they've learned?? Comment below!


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