Beware the VR Straw Man

 

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, “let me warn you about the snake oil salesman,” 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.

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

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

Debunking 5 Myths: VR-Based Training Effective At Any Age

Myth #1: VR-based training appeals only to younger workers

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.

Photo by Ivan Bandura on Unsplash

“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.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/beware-vr-straw-man-heather-dodds