Trends in E-learning research: bibliometric analysis on Scopus publications post COVID-19 in Asian context

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore future directions in E-learning research by analysing data from Scopus indexed publications in order to have a comprehensive overview of the trends and thematic focus post COVID-19 in Asian context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses Vos viewer and Biblioshiny software packages to analyse the bibliometric data. This software helped in identifying the anatomy of E-learning and their themes which were instrumental in forecasting future trends.FindingsThe paper depicts the trends in post COVID-19 E-learning research in Asian context. It identifies key publications, authors and journals in the field, with a focus on numerous networks of collaboration between writers and nations, identifying keyword clusters and co-citation analysis clusters. This study also explored that China and the USA are having maximum number of collaborations, whereas, countries like India, the United Kingdom, Singapore and New Zealand have comparatively weaker collaboration networks. So there is lot of potential for these countries for such collaborations. India is the most cited country globally and China is having maximum number of scientific productions per year.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has been written by exclusively referring to Scopus database papers. Collecting data from different databases would significantly improve the study. Future researchers can also focus on papers from psychology, computer science and engineering fields as current work is based on open access articles on social business, business and arts and humanities.Practical implicationsThis research will be useful to educational institutions that use these platforms to offer E-learning content and match future trends. This study will help researchers in understanding the new dimensions in the field of E-learning.Originality/valueThe current study uses bibliometric analysis to examine the association between E-learning, higher education and COVID-19. It aids in the identification of new difficulties within the complex and expanding study fields in the world of E-learning. Newly published studies on E-learning trends can improve understanding and bridge the knowledge gap. As a result, recommendations can be made to improve and implement newer strategies in field of education.