Decoding a Decade of MOOCS: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Growth, Collaboration and Impact

This study employs a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of MOOC research literature from 2013 to 2022 to elucidate its evolution and impact. A total of 5,376 publications were analyzed using the Web of Science database. The analysis employed multiple bibliometric approaches including trend analysis, topic modeling, collaboration network analysis, and citation impact assessment. The findings indicate an exponential growth in MOOC publications through 2018, followed by a period of stabilization at 500–600 articles annually. Over time, however, there has been a discernible shift in research priorities, moving away from more general conceptual work and towards the development of specific pedagogical and tech- nological innovations. Our analysis indicates that MOOC research has reached a point of maturity, with potential avenues for further inquiry into pedagogical approaches, technological integration, and socio - cultural influences as MOOCs continue to exert a transformative influence on higher education.