Gamification in Online Education: A Visual Bibliometric Network Analysis

Abstract

This study applies bibliometric and network analysis methods to map the literature-based landscape of gamification in online distance learning. Two thousand four hundred and nineteen publications between 2000 and 2023 from the Scopus database were analyzed. Leading journals, influential articles, and the most critical topics on gamification in online training were identified. The co-authors’ analysis demonstrates a considerable rise in the number of nations evaluating research subjects, indicating increasing international cooperation. The main contributors are the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Spain, and Canada. The co-occurrence network analysis of keywords revealed six distinct research clusters: (i) the implementation of gamification in various learning contexts, (ii) investigating the application of gamification in student education to promote the use of electronic learning, (iii) utilizing artificial intelligence tools in online learning, (iv) exploring educational technologies, (v) developing strategies for creating a playful learning environment, and (vi) understanding children’s learning processes. Finally, an analysis of the most cited articles identified three research themes: (a) gamification-based learning platforms, (b) measurement of users’ appreciation and satisfaction, and (c) 3D virtual immersive learning environments. This study contributes to the subject discipline by informing researchers about the latest research trends in online education gamification and identifying promising research directions.