I would argue that it's best to disable arrow keys in insert mode only. This is the real problem here. By using arrow keys in insert mode, the novice ends up

I would argue that it's best to disable arrow keys in insert mode only. This is the real problem here. By using arrow keys in insert mode, the novice ends up using vim just like a glorified notepad, and never truly understanding the different modes. Since they aren't ever going back to command mode, they never consider using more advanced movement operators, and then they never realize the power of composing motions and commands. Whenever I start teaching someone vim, I always add this to their .vimrc: inoremap <Left> <nop> inoremap <Right> <nop> inoremap <Up> <nop> inoremap <Down> <nop> This way, arrows still work as expected in command mode, but not in insert mode. The novice will learn to only insert in insert mode, and move and operate in command mode.