Analysis of Research Evolution and Dissemination on Subject Areas and Global Research Collaboration on Distance and Online Learning in STEM Education Based on Bibliometrics

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis of a reliable database of data on distance and online learning in STEM education. The main objectives of this paper were to determine the prevailing research focus on distance and online learning in STEM education. This research categorised and assessed data from 648 academic articles related to distance and online learning in STEM education using bibliometric methods. VOSviewer was used to graphically visualise the data. The results of the study show that the development and dissemination of research in STEM education began as early as 1996, with a significant increase in 2011 and a peak in publications in 2021. The critical topic areas are centred on multidisciplinary areas, regardless of STEM discipline. It was found that research collaboration can point to far-reaching problems around the world. The findings of this article are a valuable addition to systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses on distance and online learning in STEM education. The study strongly encourages further research into the impact of distance and online learning in STEM education, particularly comparing uptake rates in rural and urban areas and gender preferences for STEM education using both learning methods.