A synthesis of systematic review research on emerging learning environments and technologies
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A synthesis of systematic review research on emerging learning environments and technologies Florence Martin1 · Vanessa P. Dennen2 · Curtis J. Bonk3
© Association for Educational Communications and Technology 2020
Abstract In this introduction to the special issue on systematic reviews on emerging learning environments and technologies, we introduce best practices for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analysis and discuss the need for a systematic review on emerging learning environments and technologies. We synthesize research on seven primary areas of emerging learning environments and technologies that include: (1) social media, (2) massive open online courses, (3) special education technology, (4) mobile learning, (5) game-based learning and gamification, (6) adaptive learning, and (7) learning analytics and introduce the thirteen articles that were included in this special issue. This article also provides implications for the readers on using and conducting systematic reviews. Keywords Emerging technologies · Emerging learning environments · Systematic reviews · Meta-analysis · Research synthesis
Introduction In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of systematic reviews and metaanalyses employed to synthesize research from primary studies. Systematic reviews aim to examine secondary data by retrieving, synthesizing, and assessing existing knowledge on a subject in a logical, transparent, and analytical manner. Systematic reviews are not literature reviews or narrative reviews but follow a specific methodology to locate, select, evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and report evidence that helps to draw conclusions (Denyer and Tranfield 2009). * Florence Martin [email protected] Vanessa P. Dennen [email protected] Curtis J. Bonk [email protected] 1
University of North Carolina Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
2
Florida State University, 3205H Stone Building, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
3
Indiana University, 201 N. Rose Ave., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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Vol.:(0123456789)
F. Martin et al.
There are guidelines on how to conduct systematic reviews. The U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse Procedures and Standards Handbook, Version 4.0 (2017). The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) reviews and profiles high quality research in education to assist educators to make evidence-based decisions. The WWC team recommends a five-step systematic review process that includes: (a) developing the review protocol, (b) identifying relevant literature, (c) screening studies, (d) reviewing articles, and (e) reporting findings. Alexander (2020) offers methodological guidance for framing a systematic review (e.g., situating the review theoretically, establishing what is already known and still needs to be known, articulating an answerable question, etc.), procedural steps and challenges (e.g., setting one’s search parameters, specifying search terms and time frames, appropriately delimiting the search, etc.)
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