Concept mapping in computer-supported learning environments: a bibliometric analysis

ABSTRACT

Concept mapping (CM) is widely used in educational settings as a teaching/learning or assessment tool. We conducted a bibliometric analysis and systematic review to provide an updated review on CM research in computer-supported learning environments. A total of 356 selected studies published from 1990 to 2020 were analyzed from the Web of Science database. The findings revealed an increasing and continuous focus on CM research. The leading journal for publishing CM research was Computers & Education, and the United States was the country with the most published studies. The most frequently used keywords were categorized into four clusters to represent the four main themes of CM research. Subsequent analysis showed that the most applied learning subject was environmental science or natural science; traditional computers/devices were the most used devices/hardware; higher education students were the most used samples; quantitative methods were the most used research methods; computers as mindtools were the most adopted learning strategy; and concept mapping assessment was the most used measurement tool in the CM research. These findings reveal the trends of CM research and provide future research directions and applications of practical education for researchers and educators.

KEYWORDS:

• Bibliometric analysis
• computer-supported learning environments
• concept map
• concept mapping
• systematic review

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan: [Grant Number MOST 109-2635-H-227-001]; Taipei Medical University: [Grant Number TMU109-AE1-B25].

Notes on contributors

Ching-Yi Chang

Dr. Ching-Yi Chang is a PhD, RN, Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan. She is also a supervisor at the Department of Nursing, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan. Her research interests include mobile learning, digital game-based learning, flipped classroom, medical education, nursing education, and AI in education.

Jie Chi Yang

Dr. Jie Chi Yang is a Distinguished Professor in the Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology at National Central University, Taiwan. His research interests include interactive learning environments, digital game-based learning, computer assisted language learning, and human factors.