Developments and Emerging Trends of Blended Learning A Document Co-citation Analysis (2003–2020)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze and visualize the research hotspots, evolution, and emerging trends of blended learning in a holistic way. In this study, 1657 bibliometric records together with 48310 citations are collected from SCIE, SSCI and A&HCI databases. CiteSpace is adopted in the analysis and visualization. Results show: enhancing collaborative learning, pattern, and teacher training are the research hotspots in Period I, instructor perception, possible future direction, and research trend are the research hotspots in Period II, general science classroom, blended learning environment, and measuring student engagement are the research hotspots in Period III; the themes of covid-19 remain similar along the development, while the themes of digital health education change a lot; blended learning environment, online component, covid-19 pandemic, procrastinating behavior, active blended learning, and observed learning orientation are the emerging trends. These findings could provide research directions for future studies in blended learning.