Learning with simulations in medical education validity and design of learning settings in particular contexts

The aim of this symposium is to initiate the discussion on learning with simulations in the medical sector. Indeed, this domain represents a very complex and dynamic environment dealing with a great variety of knowledge (declarative, pragmatic, procedural, gestural, etc.) that can be learned under diverse pedagogical forms. The four presentations describe various forms of computer-based technology, which aim to enhance the teaching and learning capabilities of doctors mostly in the form of 3D visualisation, full-scale simulation and haptic technology. They focus on research conducted in the area of anaesthesia and surgery. These studies emphasize on the necessity to adapt the learning environment to the objective of the training (validity of the learning situations). If the presentations are specific to the medical domain, their methodological and theoretical approaches can be generalized and used in other learning situations.