Abstract:

Blended learning has emerged as a crucial approach to teaching and learning, significantly impacting educational practices before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic. This method seamlessly integrates in-person and online instruction, creating a flexible and dynamic learning environment. The incorporation of an online component into traditional classroom settings has introduced a plethora of opportunities for enhancing educational outcomes, such as increased accessibility to resources, personalized learning experiences, and the potential for innovative teaching strategies. However, it has also presented various challenges for academics, including the need for technical proficiency, effective student engagement, and the management of digital resources within a blended framework. This research aims to thoroughly examine the global trends and patterns prevalent in blended learning environments, with a focus on understanding both the pedagogical and technical supports and limitations encountered by academics.

By employing a bibliometric analysis spanning from 2019 to 2023, the study seeks to systematically identify existing gaps in the literature concerning the pedagogical strategies and technical support and limitations necessary for effective blended learning on an international scale. The bibliometric analysis will involve a review of 2879 Higher Education academic publications, conference papers, and other scholarly works to discern the frequency, impact, and context of key themes related to blended learning. This approach will enable the identification of emerging trends, dominant research areas, and underexplored aspects within the field.

The insights gained from this analysis will provide valuable guidance for academics and academic developers through understanding the tools and mechanisms necessary to navigate and optimize blended learning environments. This will allow academic developers to better support academics in harnessing the full potential of online tools and resources. This research will contribute to the ongoing discourse on blended learning by offering evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the efficacy and sustainability of this educational approach in diverse international contexts.

Keywords:

Blended Learning, Learning Management System, bibliometric analysis, online tools, pedagogical strategies, technical support.