Beware the VR Straw Man
 |
| Scarecrows at Culmstock by David Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons |
Merriam-Webster’s first definition of straw man is a weak or imaginary opposition (such as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted. Said another way, a straw man is a type of logical fallacy where the argument is a false or fake version of the opposing argument that can then be easily broken down. The straw man is meant to imply flimsy or weak: think how easy it is to tear apart a form stuffed with straw compared to attacking a real person.
When I was working on articles about poor virtual reality (VR) and learning research, I found 3 instances of myths surrounding VR learning & training.
In each case, the myths were communicated by companies selling something in VR.
That’s an AMAZING coincidence, yo.
Too coincidental.
It’s not a coincidence.
This is classic, slick, 'don't fall for the snake oil,' from the snake oil salesman.
Additionally, I’ll add my own opinion here: I’ve never heard these statements circulated about VR. These are a quick list below with 7, 5, and 5 entries, respectively.
AIXR: 7 Myths and Misconceptions About VR Training
1. VR Training Is Expensive, Especially At Scale
2. VR Training Requires A Lot Of Space
3. VR Training Is Distracting And Counterproductive
4. VR Training Is Unhygienic
5. VR Training Sessions Are Very Long
6. All VR Training Makes Users Sick
7. VR Training Isn’t Here To Stay
Learning Solutions Magazine: Debunking - Top 5 Common Myths of VR In Education
I honestly forgot name of company that put out this infographic, so I can't give you the link.
Myth 1: It requires heavy investment
Myth 2: You must have headsets
Myth 3: You cannot build VR yourself
Myth 4: VR cannot compliment existing learning
Myth 5: You cannot track your learners
Learning Solutions Magazine: Debunking 5 Myths: VR-Based Training Effective At Any Age
Myth #2: VR is only useful for entertainment, not serious training
Myth #3: You need a large space for people to take VR-based training
Myth #4: VR training is prohibitively expensive
Myth #5: Learners will feel isolated in a VR headset
However, here is a myth that I do hear all of the time: VR will revolutionize education.
And here's my response:
Virtual Reality (VR) is no different than any other form of learning.
Remember that I'm for VR in education. It's just that VR is not a panacea. It will be one more tool in our toolbox of media to use for learning. It will EXCEL in areas where it:
- Saves time
- Saves money
- Reduces danger
This is the Way.
“Straw man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20man. Accessed 13 Aug. 2021.
#VRMyth #VR #VirtualReality #Debunking #LearningMyths #VRForLearning #VREducation #VRIsNoDifferentThanAnyOtherFormOfLearning
This article originally posted to LinkedIn on August 27, 2021. Updated with images as of February 18, 2026 because I don't know, Google eats old images maybe.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/beware-vr-straw-man-heather-dodds