Abstract:

Digital transformation is increasingly reshaping sustainability education by enabling new forms of pedagogical delivery, interaction, and learning environments. In response to concerns regarding conceptual overlap across related submissions, this study advances a differentiated perspective by focusing specifically on the technological and innovation-driven dimension of sustainability education, distinct from governance, leadership, curriculum design, and learning analytics approaches. It develops an integrative analytical framework that conceptualizes digital transformation as an enabling infrastructure for reconfiguring sustainability-oriented teaching and learning processes.

Using a combined bibliometric and thematic methodology, publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2000 to 2024 are systematically analyzed through keyword co-occurrence mapping, citation network analysis, and thematic categorization. The bibliometric findings reveal a marked increase in research output following 2015, particularly in areas related to online learning environments, digital simulations, and technology-enhanced instructional practices in sustainability education.

This study distinguishes itself by consolidating these developments into a coherent technology-centered framework that emphasizes how digital tools transform, rather than merely support, sustainability learning. The thematic analysis identifies emerging domains, including virtual experiential learning, the development of digital sustainability competencies, and the integration of interactive and immersive technologies in educational practice.

The findings indicate a clear transition from viewing digital technologies as supplementary teaching aids toward recognizing their role as core enablers of student-centered, practice-oriented, and scalable sustainability learning environments. By strengthening conceptual clarity and integrating previously fragmented research streams, this study offers a distinct and comprehensive understanding of digital transformation in sustainability education. The results provide actionable insights for educators and institutions seeking to design innovative, technology-enhanced learning ecosystems aligned with contemporary sustainability challenges and educational advancements.

Keywords:

Digital Transformation, Sustainability Education, Technology-Enhanced Learning, Online Learning, Bibliometric Analysis, Thematic Analysis, Digital Competencies, Educational Innovation.