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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
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
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  Data: Future-Ready Instructional Technology for Early Childhood Education: A Bibliometric and Meta-Synthesis Analysis
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Muh+Asriadi+Am%22">Muh Asriadi Am</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mirawati+Mirawati%22">Mirawati Mirawati</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ayu+Hopiani%22">Ayu Hopiani</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ririn+Despriliani%22">Ririn Despriliani</searchLink>
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  Data: 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
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  Data: 10.1108/OTH-03-2025-0035
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  Data: 1074-8121<br />2054-1708
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: 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.
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        Value: 10.1108/OTH-03-2025-0035
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      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 26
        StartPage: 418
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Literature Reviews
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Bibliometrics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Meta Analysis
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Early Childhood Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Preschool Children
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      – SubjectFull: Technology Uses in Education
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      – SubjectFull: Information Technology
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      – SubjectFull: Artificial Intelligence
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      – SubjectFull: Gamification
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      – SubjectFull: Interaction
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      – SubjectFull: Trend Analysis
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      – TitleFull: Future-Ready Instructional Technology for Early Childhood Education: A Bibliometric and Meta-Synthesis Analysis
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