Future-Ready Instructional Technology for Early Childhood Education: A Bibliometric and Meta-Synthesis Analysis
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| Title: | Future-Ready Instructional Technology for Early Childhood Education: A Bibliometric and Meta-Synthesis Analysis |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Muh Asriadi Am, Mirawati Mirawati, Ayu Hopiani, Ririn Despriliani |
| Source: | On the Horizon. 2025 33(4):418-443. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 26 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Intended Audience: | Teachers |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education |
| Descriptors: | Literature Reviews, Bibliometrics, Meta Analysis, Early Childhood Education, Preschool Children, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Information Technology, Educational Trends, Futures (of Society), Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Gamification, Interaction, Trend Analysis |
| DOI: | 10.1108/OTH-03-2025-0035 |
| ISSN: | 1074-8121 2054-1708 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to explore the transformation of instructional technology in early childhood education (ECE), highlighting current and future trends in digital tools for children aged 2-6 years. It provides insights for educators on optimizing digital innovations to enhance early learning experiences. Design/methodology/approach: This study covered a bibliometric analysis of 805 Scopus-indexed publications (1975-2025) using R software and Scopus-AI mapped research trends. A metasynthesis of 42 qualitative studies examined the practical implementation of instructional technology in ECE settings. Findings: The study identified key learning technologies, including interactive storytelling apps, AI-based learning assistants, gamification, augmented reality and robotics for early coding. Successful integration depends on teacher readiness, parent engagement and digital infrastructure. Strengthening educators' digital competencies is critical to ensuring pedagogical alignment with children's developmental needs. Research limitations/implications: This study focuses on Scopus-indexed publications, potentially excluding relevant studies. While bibliometric analysis maps trends, it does not assess pedagogical impact in depth. Future research should employ longitudinal studies to evaluate long-term effects. Practical implications: Findings emphasize the need for adaptive policies, ongoing teacher training and equitable access to technology. Collaboration among educators, policymakers and developers is essential for designing developmentally appropriate instructional technologies. Originality/value: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of instructional technology trends in ECE, offering a roadmap for effective digital integration to support cognitive, social and motor development in early learners. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1502190 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to explore the transformation of instructional technology in early childhood education (ECE), highlighting current and future trends in digital tools for children aged 2-6 years. It provides insights for educators on optimizing digital innovations to enhance early learning experiences. Design/methodology/approach: This study covered a bibliometric analysis of 805 Scopus-indexed publications (1975-2025) using R software and Scopus-AI mapped research trends. A metasynthesis of 42 qualitative studies examined the practical implementation of instructional technology in ECE settings. Findings: The study identified key learning technologies, including interactive storytelling apps, AI-based learning assistants, gamification, augmented reality and robotics for early coding. Successful integration depends on teacher readiness, parent engagement and digital infrastructure. Strengthening educators' digital competencies is critical to ensuring pedagogical alignment with children's developmental needs. Research limitations/implications: This study focuses on Scopus-indexed publications, potentially excluding relevant studies. While bibliometric analysis maps trends, it does not assess pedagogical impact in depth. Future research should employ longitudinal studies to evaluate long-term effects. Practical implications: Findings emphasize the need for adaptive policies, ongoing teacher training and equitable access to technology. Collaboration among educators, policymakers and developers is essential for designing developmentally appropriate instructional technologies. Originality/value: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of instructional technology trends in ECE, offering a roadmap for effective digital integration to support cognitive, social and motor development in early learners. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1074-8121 2054-1708 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/OTH-03-2025-0035 |
