Citation classics on distance and online learning: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify seminal research works on distance and online learning that have had significant impact on the domain. Design/methodology/approach The authors used the SCOPUS database for this study as the data source, and a well-defined search strategy retrieved the items for analysis. First, the authors identified the h-index (n = 207) of the discipline to determine the threshold for listing the top works. The authors critically analysed these classic publications using several bibliometric parameters to present the analysis. To understand the primary focus of the classic research works, the authors also carried out a keyword cluster analysis using VOSviewer. Findings While the USA produced maximum classic research, authors from Canada have maximum research visibility in terms of citations (n = 474.06). Canada also received the highest value of RCI (1.30), followed by Taiwan and Australia. The majority of the classics are published in 67 scientific journals. Of these, Computers and Education published the highest number with a quarter of the total citations (n = 19,403). Although e-learning was the nucleus of the research theme, the authors observed that students, learning systems, online learning, blended learning, learning management systems and computer-aided instructions dominated their influence in the research cluster. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first of its kind work in the field of distance and online learning. Findings of this study would be useful to faculty, researchers and students in the discipline to focus on the seminal works and understand their implications better in the context of the growing significance of the discipline.