One Decade Evolution of MOOC Research: Analysis of Index Keywords from Scopus Data

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Title: One Decade Evolution of MOOC Research: Analysis of Index Keywords from Scopus Data
Language: English
Authors: Ronal Watrianthos, Selamat Triono Ahmad, Mukhlidi Muskhir
Source: Journal of Educators Online. 2026 23(1).
Availability: Journal of Educators Online. Grand Canyon University, 23300 West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017. e-mail: CIRT@gcu.edu. Web site: https://www.thejeo.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Reports - Research
Descriptors: MOOCs, Literature Reviews, Educational Trends, Educational Research, Trend Analysis, Technological Advancement, Social Problems, COVID-19, Pandemics, Research Methodology, Learning Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Development
ISSN: 1547-500X
Abstract: This study examines the evolution of Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) research from 2015 to 2024 by employing a comprehensive analysis of index keywords from 3,652 articles extracted from Scopus. By employing a combined methodological approach of strategic diagram analysis and temporal evolution, we investigated the evolution of research themes, priorities, and methodological approaches across two distinct periods: pre-COVID-19 pandemic (2015-2019) and pandemic/postpandemic (2020-2024). Our analysis demonstrates notable shifts in the intellectual structure of MOOC research, characterized by an increasing integration between technological innovation and pedagogical approaches. Learning Analytics emerged as a dominant theme in the initial period (D: 0.89, C: 0.92) and subsequently evolved to become integrated with AI applications in the subsequent period (D: 0.92, C: 0.91). This study identified a clear shift from operational concerns toward broader societal impacts, as evidenced by the emergence of themes such as Sustainable Development (D: 0.42, C: 0.76) and SDG Integration (D: 0.39, C: 0.71) in the latter period. The evolution of theme interaction patterns from linear bilateral relationships to complex multilateral networks indicates maturation of the field. Our findings indicate that MOOC research has evolved from disparate research streams to integrated ecosystems, which increasingly address global educational challenges. This evolution has significant implications for the future development of online education, particularly regarding the integration of technological advancement with pedagogical innovation while addressing broader societal needs.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1499285
Database: ERIC
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  Data: One Decade Evolution of MOOC Research: Analysis of Index Keywords from Scopus Data
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ronal+Watrianthos%22">Ronal Watrianthos</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Selamat+Triono+Ahmad%22">Selamat Triono Ahmad</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mukhlidi+Muskhir%22">Mukhlidi Muskhir</searchLink>
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  Data: Journal of Educators Online. Grand Canyon University, 23300 West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017. e-mail: CIRT@gcu.edu. Web site: https://www.thejeo.com
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22MOOCs%22">MOOCs</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Literature+Reviews%22">Literature Reviews</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Trends%22">Educational Trends</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Research%22">Educational Research</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Trend+Analysis%22">Trend Analysis</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Technological+Advancement%22">Technological Advancement</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+Problems%22">Social Problems</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22COVID-19%22">COVID-19</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Pandemics%22">Pandemics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Research+Methodology%22">Research Methodology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learning+Analytics%22">Learning Analytics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Artificial+Intelligence%22">Artificial Intelligence</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Sustainable+Development%22">Sustainable Development</searchLink>
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  Data: 1547-500X
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  Label: Abstract
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  Data: This study examines the evolution of Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) research from 2015 to 2024 by employing a comprehensive analysis of index keywords from 3,652 articles extracted from Scopus. By employing a combined methodological approach of strategic diagram analysis and temporal evolution, we investigated the evolution of research themes, priorities, and methodological approaches across two distinct periods: pre-COVID-19 pandemic (2015-2019) and pandemic/postpandemic (2020-2024). Our analysis demonstrates notable shifts in the intellectual structure of MOOC research, characterized by an increasing integration between technological innovation and pedagogical approaches. Learning Analytics emerged as a dominant theme in the initial period (D: 0.89, C: 0.92) and subsequently evolved to become integrated with AI applications in the subsequent period (D: 0.92, C: 0.91). This study identified a clear shift from operational concerns toward broader societal impacts, as evidenced by the emergence of themes such as Sustainable Development (D: 0.42, C: 0.76) and SDG Integration (D: 0.39, C: 0.71) in the latter period. The evolution of theme interaction patterns from linear bilateral relationships to complex multilateral networks indicates maturation of the field. Our findings indicate that MOOC research has evolved from disparate research streams to integrated ecosystems, which increasingly address global educational challenges. This evolution has significant implications for the future development of online education, particularly regarding the integration of technological advancement with pedagogical innovation while addressing broader societal needs.
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      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 14
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: MOOCs
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Literature Reviews
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Educational Trends
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Educational Research
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Trend Analysis
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Technological Advancement
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Social Problems
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: COVID-19
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Pandemics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Research Methodology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Learning Analytics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Artificial Intelligence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Sustainable Development
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: One Decade Evolution of MOOC Research: Analysis of Index Keywords from Scopus Data
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            NameFull: Ronal Watrianthos
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            NameFull: Selamat Triono Ahmad
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            NameFull: Mukhlidi Muskhir
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              M: 01
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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