Aims vs. technology: Pedagogical view to the use of educational applications in safety critical contexts

Interactive technology for education has formed into a relatively independent domain of research and development. Interactive technology is often seen as a context independent tool. However, we argue that education in different contexts may have so different and incommensurable aims that no single technology can be announced as good or bad per se in terms of learning. The development of educational application should not be based on the technology to be applied, but by careful analysis of learning aims. When formulated in an appropriate way, learning aims work as a relevant basis in all stages of the design process of an educational application. The formulation of aims is therefore critical to the success of the whole application development project. In the current study, we illustrate the complexity of design of educational applications with one design case. This case study concerns the training of nurses who work in an operating room. As such, the case best enlighten the education in skills needed in safety critical contexts.