This paper proposes a design based research (DBR) framework for designing mobile virtual reality learning environments. The application of the framework is illustrated by two design-based research projects that aim to develop more authentic educational experiences and learner-centred pedagogies in higher education. The projects highlight the first two phases of the DBR framework, involving the exploration of mobile virtual reality (VR) to enhance the learning environment, and the design of prototype solutions for the different contexts. The design of the projects is guided by a set of design principles identified from the literature.

Art and design undergraduate educational programmes such as Graphic Design studies are based upon best practice within the Graphic Design industry. Thus, the classroom environment is designed to mirror a typical design studio environment. However, traditional design studio interaction and collaboration are undergoing rapid transformation in practice triggered by an increasingly global digitally networked professional environment. In response, this paper outlines our journey of redesigning an undergraduate graphic design curriculum to enable students to engage beyond the context of the classroom to a potentially global audience. Over two redesign iterations Visual Communication Design students explored new technologies including mobile augmented reality and virtual reality to enhance the reach and impact of their portfolios of work. Using the concept of Visual Poetry and a combination of typography and moving image, the students created a range of art pieces inspired by a specific location, and shared these via an ecology of resources chosen to digitally augment their work and facilitate the production of student eportfolios. The goal of the curriculum redesign is to broaden students’ educational experiences beyond the confines of the traditional studio based classroom to include wider community outreach and participation within an increasingly global environment.

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Mobile learning is well established in literature and practice, but under-evolved from a rigorous learning design perspective. Activity theory presents a sophisticated way of mapping and understanding learning design, but for mobile learning this does not always translate into change in practice. The reported research addresses this by coupling a mobile learning specific approach to activity theory with a practice-based framework: the design for transformative mobile learning framework mapped to the pedagogy-andragogy-heutagogy continuum matrix (the DTML-PAH Matrix). Seven case studies are analysed using this approach and presented narratively along with framework informed analysis. Findings include that the DTML-PAH Matrix can be used to provide clearer implications and guidance for mobile learning practice, and that the DTML-PAH Matrix can also be guided by the practice over time. Implications for further research and practice are discussed. Implications for practice or policy: Provide technological and pedagogical scaffolds to students. Learning designs should focus upon enabling elements of learner agency and creativity. To develop learning solutions to real world problems utilise a design-based research approach. Create authentic collaborative learning activities and tasks. Integrate mobile learning affordances in the design of the course and curriculum.

Mobile devices and a vast array of accompanying applications offer significant affordances to create, consume, share, collaborate and communicate—affordances that could be easily leveraged to facilitate meaningful learning. A positive disruption arising from COVID-19 that aligns with the affordances of mobile learning is the uncoupling of time and space in the learning process. Traditionally formal learning is a process that is predominately viewed as an experience that is ‘timetabled’— scheduled to eventuate at a ‘place’—lecture or a tutorial (or similar) in a room or lecture theatre. In this concise paper, an ecology of resources is discussed along with guiding principles for designing and facilitating uncoupled authentic and student-determined learning post the emergency remote teaching phase.