From Theory to Practice

The Sim-ETICO Simulation for Ethical Military Education

Resumen

The challenge of developing reflective ethical judgment in military students, particularly within high-pressure operational contexts and complex contemporary scenarios, calls for a critical re-evaluation of traditional didactic strategies. This article addresses this need by presenting the design of the Sim-ETICO simulator, a novel ICT-based tool. The study is grounded in the Design Science Research paradigm, focusing on instructional architecture and pedagogical efficacy rather than empirical testing. The core contribution is Sim-ETICO, which aims to transform ethical theory into practical, scenario-based decision-making. By utilising case studies, the simulator trains the competencies required for military personnel to transition from civilians to responsible professionals committed to institutional and social values. The research methodology involved a systematic evaluation of existing ethical training strategies, followed by the selection of tentative technical and pedagogical components derived from literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups with lecturers, students, a manager, and an ICT expert. The final design was validated using the Delphi methodology with a qualified panel of educators and military experts. Validation outcomes confirmed the strong theoretical coherence and pedagogical viability of the Sim-ETICO instructional design for fostering ethical formation. This framework provides a model for integrating technology to address the competence gap in military ethics. However, it is important to note that this article only reports on the design phases and validation panel; it does not present empirical data regarding the impact on student learning outcomes, which will be the focus of subsequent investigations.