Journal of ‘Computers & Education’ from Past to Present: Bibliomeric Analysis (1978-2025)
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Computers & Education, a leading academic journal in the field of educational technology, covering the period from 1978 to 2025. Drawing upon data from the Web of Science database, a total of 4,715 articles were examined using bibliometric techniques, including co-citation, co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution analysis. The findings reveal a significant increase in publication volume and citation rates, particularly after 2008, indicating a growing scholarly interest in digital education. Thematic clustering analyses identified three dominant research foci: student performance and achievement, technology-enhanced learning and motivation, and user acceptance and self-efficacy. Furthermore, collaboration networks show that Taiwan, China, the USA, and the UK are central hubs in the global educational technology research landscape. Thematic evolution analysis reveals a paradigm shift from early discussions on "computer and distance education" toward more recent emphases on "digital content," "virtual learning," and "student-centered design." This study contributes to the literature by mapping structural patterns and identifying key trends, prolific authors, institutions, and countries, offering a macro-level understanding of how Computers & Education has shaped the educational technology discourse over nearly five decades.
Keywords
Computer education, bibliometric, mapping
Ethical Statement
Due to the scope and method of the study, ethics committee permission was not required.
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