{"id":995,"date":"2021-11-11T17:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-11T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cogitateandpercolate.com\/?p=995"},"modified":"2026-06-29T14:08:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T14:08:14","slug":"beware-the-vr-straw-man","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cogitateandpercolate.com\/?p=995","title":{"rendered":"Beware the VR Straw Man"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Scarecrows at Culmstock by David Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n


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Merriam-Webster\u2019s first definition of straw man is a weak or
\nimaginary opposition (such as an argument or adversary) set up only to
\nbe easily confuted.  Said another way, a straw man is a type of logical
\nfallacy where the argument is a false or fake version of the opposing
\nargument that can then be easily broken down.  The straw man is meant to
\n imply flimsy or weak: think how easy it is to tear apart a form stuffed
\n with straw compared to attacking a real person.  <\/span><\/p>\n

When I was
\nworking on articles about poor virtual reality (VR) and learning
\nresearch, I found 3 instances of myths surrounding VR learning &
\ntraining.<\/span><\/p>\n

In each case, the myths were communicated by companies selling something<\/i> in VR.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s an AMAZING coincidence, yo. <\/span><\/p>\n

Too coincidental.  <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not a coincidence.  <\/span><\/p>\n

This is classic, slick, ‘don’t fall for the snake oil,’ from the snake oil salesman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally,
\n I\u2019ll add my own opinion here: I\u2019ve never heard these statements
\ncirculated about VR.<\/b> These are a quick list below with 7, 5, and 5
\nentries, respectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

AIXR: 7 Myths and Misconceptions About VR Training<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n
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1. VR Training Is Expensive, Especially At Scale<\/span><\/p>\n

2. VR Training Requires A Lot Of Space<\/span><\/p>\n

3. VR Training Is Distracting And Counterproductive<\/span><\/p>\n

4. VR Training Is Unhygienic<\/span><\/p>\n

5. VR Training Sessions Are Very Long<\/span><\/p>\n

6. All VR Training Makes Users Sick<\/span><\/p>\n

7. VR Training Isn\u2019t Here To Stay<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning Solutions Magazine: Debunking – Top 5 Common Myths of VR In Education<\/a><\/h2>\n

I honestly forgot name of company that put out this infographic, so I can’t give you the link.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Capture<\/a><\/div>\n


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Myth 1: It requires heavy investment<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth 2: You must have headsets <\/span><\/p>\n

Myth 3: You cannot build VR yourself<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth 4: VR cannot compliment existing learning<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth 5: You cannot track your learners<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning Solutions Magazine: Debunking 5 Myths: VR-Based Training Effective At Any Age<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"capture<\/a><\/div>\n
Myth #1: VR-based training appeals only to younger workers<\/span><\/div>\n

Myth #2: VR is only useful for entertainment, not serious training<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth #3: You need a large space for people to take VR-based training<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth #4: VR training is prohibitively expensive<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth #5: Learners will feel isolated in a VR headset<\/span><\/p>\n


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However, here is a myth that I do hear all of the time: VR will revolutionize education.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

And here’s my response: <\/span><\/p>\n

Virtual Reality (VR) is no different than any other form of learning.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Remember that I’m for<\/i><\/b>
\n VR in education. It’s just that VR is not a panacea. It will be one
\nmore tool in our toolbox of media to use for learning. It will EXCEL in
\n areas where it:<\/span><\/p>\n