International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies(iJIM) – eISSN: 1865-7923 – Vol. 16 No. 08 (2022)


Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years  
in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning 

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v16i08.29803

Binar Kurnia Prahani1(*), Mohd Zaidi Bin Amiruddin1, Budi Jatmiko1,  
Nadi Suprapto1, Tan Amelia2

1Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
2Universitas Dinamika, Surabaya, Indonesia

binarprahani@unesa.ac.id

Abstract—Digital learning and mobile learning are two different things but 
have something in common. This research aims to find trends, topics, similarities, 
differences, advantages, and disadvantages of digital learning and mobile learn-
ing over the last thirty years (1992–2021). The method used in this research is 
bibliometric analysis with the help of Ms-excel, VOSViewer, and Wordcloud to 
visualize the metadata obtained from Scopus. The findings show that the trend of 
digital learning continues to increase from year to year. In addition, it can explain 
that mobile learning is an innovative part of digital learning with almost the same 
differences, similarities, advantages, and disadvantages. In the future, it is hoped 
that further research related to digital learning will continue to develop along 
with technological developments.

Keywords—bibliometric, digital learning, mobile learning, VOSViewer

1 Introduction

Education is so important for humans because it is one of the paths to success regard-
less of origin. This is evidenced by learning and development of knowledge from time 
to time continues to grow [1][2]. This is compounded by the existence of new policies 
that continue to change from year to year. There are so many changes that occur in the 
world of education [3][4]. According to [5][6], education is very important to continue 
to be developed in order to provide learning opportunities for all groups. In addition, 
education is included in the world leader’s action plan known as the SDGs (Sustainable 
Development Goals) [7][8]. Major changes occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. 
This causes learning to switch from offline (direct) to online (virtual) [9][10]. That 
way, new innovations and terms have emerged, such as learning platforms, learning 
applications, digital learning, online learning, web learning, e-modules, e-books, and 
many more. Several studies have been conducted regarding online learning models 
including mobile learning, the effectiveness of digital technology, digital readiness, 
digital comics, and usability of mobile learning apps [11][12][13][14][15].

18 http://www.i-jim.org

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v16i08.29803
mailto:binarprahani@unesa.ac.id


Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

Digital learning and mobile learning are the main topics of discussion in the world of 
education today [16][17]. This will certainly continue to grow along with technological 
developments. However, it is necessary to know about these developments through 
research that has been carried out by various authors and institutions by looking at the 
publications of previous studies to date in the form of conference proceedings, journal 
articles and other scientific media [18][19]. According to Yeaung et al. [20], to see the 
most impactful topics is not easy to access. Therefore, there is a need for bibliometric 
analysis to identify and explore impactful topics [14][21]. Using bibliometric analysis 
can provide a valid review quality, visualize salient areas, improve understanding of 
the distribution of a research topic, and provide clues for future research [22][23][24]. 
In addition, bibliometric analysis is assisted by using the VOSViewer, MS-Excel, and 
Word cloud software in visualizing the research results to make it more interesting.

The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review related to digital learning 
and mobile learning topics for one hundred cited in the last thirty years from 1992 to 
2021 using bibliometric analysis. There are several research questions were asked to 
help achieve the specific research problem:

1. What are the trends of publication from 1992 to 2021 in digital learning and mobile 
learning?

2. What are the types of publication of the top one hundred cited papers in digital learn-
ing and mobile learning? 

3. How is the distribution of the top 100 papers quoted from digital learning and mobile 
learning?

4. Who are the prolific authors of the top one hundred cited papers in digital learning 
and mobile learning? 

5. Which countries are most interested in digital learning research and mobile learning? 
6. What are the differences and similarities between digital learning and mobile 

learning?
7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of digital learning and mobile learning?

2 Methodology

This research is a type of quantitative research based on the Scopus database. Then, 
using bibliometric analysis that can prove and find novelty and trends in research [25]
[26][27][28]. Data collection was obtained through a Scopus search as of 23 January 
2022 with the following criteria in Table 1.

Table 1. Screening data

Description Digital Learning Mobile Learning

Keywords Title (digital AND earning) Title (mobile AND learning)

Document All Year 6255 Document 9542 document

Document year (1992–2021) 6148 Document 9481 document

iJIM ‒ Vol. 16, No. 08, 2022 19



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

Then the metadata is saved in csv and ris. format. After that, further analysis was 
carried out using software such as MS-Excel, VOSViewer, and WordCloud to make the 
data display more attractive [25][29][30]. According to Putri et al. [31] the effective-
ness of VOSViewer has been proven in a recent study that has been carried out with 
the Scopus index.

Fig. 1. Flowchart research

3 Result and discussion

3.1 Publication research trend

Figures 1a and 1b show a very significant development in the publication of articles 
on Scopus over the last thirty years. This shows that the high interest of the academic 
community towards research and the trends that are developing are very high.

a) Digital Learning b) Mobile Learning

Fig. 2. Publication trend digital learning and mobile learning last thirty years

Figure 2 shows the number of articles in the field of digital learning and mobile 
learning at Scopus. Digital learning in 1992 only amounted to 9 documents. Then the 
increase occurred continuously which finally in 2021 the published articles had reached 
thousands, namely 1052 documents. Whereas mobile learning in 1992 only amounted 
to 6 documents. Then the increase occurred continuously which finally in 2021 the 
published articles had reached thousands, namely 1018 documents.

20 http://www.i-jim.org



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

3.2 Visualization keyword of papers

The most frequently used keywords are graphically shown in Figure 3. Larger font 
sizes represent the frequency with which words are used the most. Words that are com-
monly used in digital learning are E-learning, students, human, teach, deep learning, 
etc. As for mobile learning, the words that are often used are mobile learning, students, 
E-learning, teaching, mobile application, education, etc.

a) Digital Learning b) Mobile Learning

Fig. 3. The most relevant keywords

From 1992 to 2021 there were 6148 Scopus indexed documents with the topic 
of digital learning. As for the topic of mobile learning from 1992 to 2021, there are 
9481 documents. Then the researcher visualized the trend of the topic with the help of 
VOSViewer which is presented in Figures 3a and 3b. In addition, the brightest color 
indicates the most updated word related to the BDAG [37].

Fig. 4a. The network visualization relevance trend in digital learning

Based on Figure 4(a) the relevance trend in digital learning produces three visible 
color clusters (yellow, green, and purple). In the first cluster (yellow color) are student, 

iJIM ‒ Vol. 16, No. 08, 2022 21



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

education, limit, initiative, higher education institution, innovation, ict, covid, world, 
digital technology, employee, switzerland, literacy, teacher, experience, interview, and 
etc. The second cluster (green color) is model, http, big data, solution, task, computer, 
treatment, set, performance, technique, network, digital twin, architecture, algorithm, 
image, power amplifier, classifier, diagnosis, and etc. The third cluster (purple color) is 
test, transfer, exercise, score, achievement, motivation, digital game, english, pre test, 
students motivation, and etc. In addition, the lightest color indicates the most updated 
word related to the topics [37].

Fig. 4b. The network visualization relevance trend in mobile learning

Based on Figure 4(b) the relevance trend in digital learning resulted in four visi-
ble color clusters (yellow, green, purple, and red). In the first cluster (yellow color) 
are study, student, participant, teacher, skill, learning, school, pretest, english, spain, 
interview, control group, social learning, medicine, photo, and etc. The second cluster 
(green) is problem, critical issue, significant improvement, experiment, patient, quality, 
technique, new approach, control, state, network, algorithm, mobile robot, edge, and 
etc. The third cluster (purple) is usage, ilc, springer nature, variance, factor, key factor, 
m-learning, belief, higher education, acceptance, behavioral intention, and etc. Cluster 
four (red) is Switzerland.

3.3 Publication type

Table 2. Document type of top cited paper

Document 
Type

Frequency Total Cited Mean Median SD

DL ML DL ML DL ML DL ML DL ML

Article 80 82 13544* 21680* 169.3 264.4 119.0 212.5 158.8 132.8

Conference 
Paper

8 11 872 2637 109.0 239.7 92.0 229.0 45.9 65.7

Book 6 2 905 666 150.5 333.0 129.0 333.0 61.8 79.2

Review 4 4 758 1363 189.0* 340.8* 204.0* 339.5* 95.7 103.2

Book 
Chapter

1 1 88 299 88.0 299.0 88.0 299.0 –

Editorial 1 – 363 – 363.0 – 363.0 – – –

Total 100 100 16530 26647 1069.6 1477.9 – – – –

Note: *=the highest number.

22 http://www.i-jim.org



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

Document types from the top 100 papers published in digital learning and mobile 
learning from 1992 to 2021 can be seen in Table 2. The 100 papers for digital learning 
has six document types, namely, articles (80), Conference paper (8), Book (6), Review 
(4), Book Chapter (1), and Editorial (1). In addition, the highest and lowest average 
number of review citations are (363.0) and (88.0) respectively, with the highest stan-
dard deviation (158.8). Meanwhile, for 100 mobile learning papers, there are five types 
of documents, namely articles (82), conference papers (11), books (2), reviews (4), and 
book chapters (1). Furthermore, for the highest and lowest average number of review 
citations, respectively (340.0) and (239.0) with the highest standard deviation (132.8).

3.4 Distribution of top cited 100 paper

Table 3. Distribution paper

Digital Learning Mobile Learning

Year Paper Citation ACPP HAPPY
City 
Year

Year Paper Citation ACPP HAPPY Citable

1992 1 95 95.0 3.2 30 1995 1 202 202.0 7.5 27

1995 2 215 107.5 4.0 27 1996 1 222 222.0 8.5 26

2001 2 414 207.0 9.9 21 1998 2 903 451.5 18.8 24

2004 2 450 225.0 12.5 18 2000 1 601 601.0* 27.3 22

2005 4 1219 304.8 17.9 17 2002 4 872 218.0 10.9 20

2006 2 261 130.5 8.2 16 2003 6 1368 228.0 12.0 19

2007 5 878 175.6 11.7 15 2004 2 471 235.5 13.1 18

2008 5 844 168.8 12.1 14 2005 2 614 307.0 18.1 17

2009 7 2253 321.9* 24.8 13 2006 1 160 160.0 10.0 16

2010 3 410 136.7 11.4 12 2007 8 2170 271.3 18.1 15

2011 7 904 129.1 11.7 11 2008 6 2364 394.0 28.1 14

2012 10 1298 129.8 13.0 10 2009 10* 2856* 285.6 22.0 13

2013 7 1159 165.6 18.4 9 2010 8 1923 240.4 20.0 12

2014 8 860 107.5 13.4 8 2011 7 2328 332.6 30.2 11

2015 4 420 105.0 15.0 7 2012 5 1870 374.0 37.4 10

2016 11* 2433* 221.2 36.9 6 2013 5 1445 289.0 32.1 9

2017 4 533 133.3 26.7 5 2014 5 986 197.2 24.7 8

2018 6 807 134.5 33.6 4 2015 2 390 195.0 27.9 7

2019 8 711 88.9 29.6 3 2016 8 2211 276.4 46.1 6

2020 2 274 137.0 68.5* 2 2017 7 1510 215.7 43.1 5

– – – – – – 2018 4 774 193.5 48.4 4

– – – – – – 2019 4 1181 295.3 98.4* 3

– – – – – – 2020 1 225 225.0 112.5 2

Total 100 16438 3224.5 382.3 Total 100 27646 6409.8 715.2

Notes: ACPP= Average Citation Per Paper, ACPPY= Average Citation Per Paper Per Year, *= the highest 
number.

iJIM ‒ Vol. 16, No. 08, 2022 23



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

Based on the Table 3 above, for digital learning and mobile learning, publications 
do not occur every year. This can be seen in the years that have no paper at all. Fur-
thermore, the top 100 articles on digital learning obtained a total of citations (16438) 
with an average of (3224.5) citations. The highest citation is (2433) in 2016, the highest 
average citation is (321.9) in 2009, and the highest average citation per paper per year 
is (68.5) in 2020. As for mobile learning, it gets a total of citations (27646) with an 
average (6409.8) citations. The highest citation is (2856) in 2009, the highest average 
citation is (601.0) in 2000, and the highest average citation per paper per year is (98.4) 
in 2019.

3.5 Top 10 authors with more articles

Table 4. Top 10 author with more article

Digital Learning Mobile Learning

Author Document Country Author Document Country

Ifenthaler, D 15 Curtin University 
(Australia)

Hwang, GJ 70 National Taiwan 
University of Science 
and Technology 
(Taiwan)

Lam, EY 14 The University of 
Hong Kong (Hong 
Kong)

Huang, YM 39 National Cheng Kung 
University (Taiwan)

Chen, GD 13 National Central 
University(Taiwan)

Milrad, M 36 Linnaeus University 
(Sweden)

Barber, W. 12 Ontario Tech 
University (Canada)

Kukulska-
Hulme, A

34 The Open University, 
Milton Keynes 
(United Kingdom)

Hwang, GJ 12 National Taiwan 
University of Science 
and Technology 
(Taiwan)

Wong, LH 34 National Institute of 
Education (Singapore)

Bandung, Y 11 Bandung Institute 
of Technology 
(Indonesia)

Traxler, J 30 University of 
Wolverhampton 
(United Kingdom)

Lee, JS 11 The Education 
University of Hong 
Kong (Hong Kong)

Looi, CK 29 Center for Research 
and Development in 
Learning (Singapore)

Erstad, O 9 Universitetet I Oslo 
(Norway)

Parsons, D 26 The Mind Lab, 
Auckland (New 
Zealand)

Huang, YM 9 National Cheng 
Kung University 
(Taiwan)

Sharples, M 26 The Open University, 
Milton Keynes 
(United Kingdom)

Sampson, DG 9 University of Piraeus 
(Greece)

Specht, M 24 Delft University 
of Technology 
(Netherlands)

24 http://www.i-jim.org



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

Table 4 shows the top 10 authors’ articles with the highest number of documents from 
1992 to 2021 from different countries. In digital learning, it is dominated by Ifenthaler, 
D from Curtin University (Australia) with a total of 15 documents, followed by Lam, 
EY from The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong) with a total of 14 documents, and 
followed by Chen, G.D from National Central University(Taiwan) with the number of 
diemen (13). Meanwhile, for mobile learning, it was dominated by Hwang, GJ from the 
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan) with a total of (70) 
documents, followed by Huang, YM from National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan) 
with 39 documents, and followed by Milrad, M from Linnaeus University (Sweden) 
with the number of documents (36).

3.6 Top country of publication 100 highest

Table 5. Top countries 100 cited publication (1992–2021)

Digital Learning Mobile Learning

Country Article
Total  

Citation

Average 
Article 

Citation
Country Article

Total  
Citation

Average 
Article 

Citation

United States 33 6452 195.52 Taiwan 26 8308 319.54

United Kingdom 13 2120 163.08 United States 19 5658 297.79

Taiwan 7 584 83.43 United Kingdom 17 3166 186.24

China 5 435 87.00 Singapore 4 879 219.75

Netherlands 5 1532 306.40 South Korea 3 744 248.00

Australia 4 490 122.50 Switzerland 3 831 277.00

Belgium 4 423 105.75 Australia 3 646 215.33

Finland 4 598 149.50 China 3 626 208.67

Hong Kong 4 548 137.00 Japan 3 622 207.33

Canada 3 1187 395.67 Netherlands 2 373 186.50

Germany 3 475 158.33 Germany 2 400 200.00

South Korea 3 510 170.00 Italy 2 382 191.00

France 1 295 295.00 Turkey 2 353 176.50

Greece 1 984 984.00 Canada 2 400 200.00

Italy 1 74 74.00 South Africa 1 303 303.00

New Zealand 1 137 137.00 Nigeria 1 300 300.00

Norway 1 81 81.00 Hong Kong 1 285 285.00

Oman 1 292 292.00 Malaysia 1 213 213.00

Russian 1 77 77.00 Spain 1 196 196.00

Singapore 1 189 189.00 Portugal 1 180 180.00

Spain 1 305 305.00 Chile 1 170 170.00

Switzerland 1 105 105.00 Finland 1 163 163.00

Thailand 1 74 74.00 France 1 162 162.00

Turkey 1 71 71.00 – – – –

Total 100 18038 4758.2 Total 100 25277 5061.3

iJIM ‒ Vol. 16, No. 08, 2022 25



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

The calculation of the publication of articles from countries is only based on the 
affiliation that published the articles. Table 5 shows that there are country differences 
between the top 100 digital learning papers and the top 100 mobile learning papers. For 
digital learning, it shows that there are 24 different countries that have produced the 
top 100. The United States dominates the production of papers with (33) articles, fol-
lowed by the United Kingdom (13), Taiwan (7), China and the Netherlands respectively 
(5), Australia, Belgium, Finland, and Hong Kong (4), respectively, Canada, Germany, 
and South Korea (3), and France, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Russia, 
Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand each (1) article for digital learning. As for 
mobile learning, it shows that there are 23 different countries that have produced the 
top 100 articles. Article publications are dominated by Taiwan (26), United States (19), 
United Kingdom (17), Singapore (4), South Korea, Switzerland, Australia, China, and 
Japan respectively (3), Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Canada (2) each, and 
South Africa, Nigeria, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Spain, Portugal, Chile, Finland, and 
France each (1) article for mobile learning.

3.7 Top 10 productive countries

When analyzing we found the leading countries that have the most publications on 
digital learning and mobile learning. Each of the top three countries that have the most 
publications during 1991 to 2021 are the United States (1354 doc), United Kingdom 
(456 doc), and China (407 doc) for digital learning which can be seen in Figure 5a. As 
for mobile learning, the top three countries that have the most publications during 1991 
to 2021 are China (1390 docs), United States (1359 docs), and United Kingdom (659 
docs) which can be seen in Figure 5b.

0

500

1,000

1,500

Document

1,354

456 407 341 320 306 274 216 209 176

United States United Kingdom China Germany Australia Taiwan Spain Indonesia Canada India

Fig. 5a. Top 10 productive countries digital learning

26 http://www.i-jim.org



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

Document

1,390 1,359

659 652

437 411 371 359 355 349

China United States United Kingdom Taiwan Malaysia Australia Germany Japan Spain Indonesia

Fig. 5b. Top 10 productive countries mobile learning

3.8 The differences and similarities between digital learning 
and mobile learning

After reviewing literature and other scientific sources, facts are obtained which state 
that there are so many differences and similarities between digital learning and mobile 
learning. That way, it is important to discuss this so that it can reduce misconceptions 
about digital learning and mobile learning. For more details presented in Table 6.

Table 6. Differences and similarities digital learning and mobile learning

Description Digital Learning Mobile Learning

Understanding Digital learning is a digital learning 
resource that includes many elements to 
be used in learning [32]

Mobile learning is a learning model 
that adopts the development of mobile 
technology and mobile devices (HP) as 
a learning medium [33]

Function Facilitates the learning process and presents 
more interesting teaching materials [32]

As an alternative to mobile or  
mobile-based learning services [34]

Forms/types 
of

• Blended learning
• Online Learning/E-learning
• Use of technology (applications, google, 

and the like)
• Adaptive learning

• Applications
• Web

Existence continues to grow Continuously develops

Devices HP, notebook, Tablet, PDA, Computer, 
Web, PC, TV, CD-ROM, and etc

Mobile, notebook, tablet, smartphone 
and PDAs.

Features Video Streaming/live, virtual whiteboards, 
quizzes/virtual exams, discussion threads, 
online questionnaires, online TV, and 
etc [35]

Features that can be used Based on the 
type of application installed [36]

(Continued)

iJIM ‒ Vol. 16, No. 08, 2022 27



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

Description Digital Learning Mobile Learning

Scope Covers all bases digital According to the specs of the device used

Approach All media Certain applications

Size Flexible According to device

Application All applications Limited applications

Place Virtual Classroom online, teachers in class, 
and internet labs

Flexible learning (anywhere and 
anytime)

Access Internet Internet

Based on Table 6 shows the differences and similarities between digital learning 
and mobile learning. Lots of people say that digital learning and mobile learning are 
the same thing. Even though there are differences between the two things [38]. In addi-
tion, digital learning includes all what learning is contained in mobile learning. This is 
because learning that uses mobile learning must be in digital form, whether it be appli-
cations, e-books, web, and etc [34, 35, 36, 38]. However, digital learning has so many 
other devices such as computers, PCs, tablets, and etc [39]. While mobile learning is 
more dependent on applications, Google, and the web [36]. If illustrated, it will look 
like Figure 6.

Fig. 6. Relationship illustration digital learning and mobile learning

3.9 The advantages and disadvantages of digital learning and mobile learning

The results of the study of literature and scientific sources related to the topic of 
digital learning and mobile learning obtained the fact that each of them has advantages 
and disadvantages in each field. For more details, see Table 7 below.

Table 6. Differences and similarities digital learning and mobile learning (Continued)

28 http://www.i-jim.org



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

Table 7. Advantages and disadvantages of digital learning and mobile learning

Digital Learning Mobile Learning
Advantages

• Relatively expensive according to the device 
used

• Learning depends on the device used (for 
example, a computer should not be used while 
traveling while a tablet can be used anywhere)

• Can eliminate some formal learning and make 
it more interesting

• Types of wireless communication to access all 
information

• Multiple delivery and content creation options
• Facilitates both individual and collaborative 

learning experiences
• helps provide and support literacy, numeracy 

and language learning
• Can increase self-confidence in education
• Increase skills in using technology in learning 

activities
• Can have discussions without having to meet
• Can use teaching materials as needed
• Support distance
• learning that develops in everyday life
• Learning can be followed by more students

• Relatively inexpensive because it only uses 
certain

• cellphones Learning can be done anywhere, 
anytime, and is personalized

• Can eliminate some formal learning and make it 
more interesting

• Types of wireless communication to access all 
information

• Multiple delivery and content creation options
• Facilitate learning experiences both individually 

and collaboratively
• to help provide and support literacy, numeracy 

and language learning
• Can increase self-confidence in education
• Increase skills in using technology in learning 

activities
• Can conduct discussions without having to meet
• Can access teaching materials needed at any 

time and certainly more attractive
• Easier to carry and use
• Supports distance learning Take
• advantage of emerging technologies in 

everyday life
• Learning can be followed by more students

Disadvantages

• Can only be used use by people who can afford
• It Always need internet access
• Quickly makes you bored because you don’t 

see each other
• Practical learning can’t be done maximally
• Depends on a good network
• Development and learning is more about 

knowledge
• Can’t monitor students individually
• Learning depends on device battery percentage
• Abstract learning is very difficult to understand 
• The atmosphere must be conducive
• Requires a lot of help tools such as, Pen Tab, 

webcam, a good headset. 

• Can only be used by people who can afford
• It always requires internet access
• Limited with storage from the device used
• Large practicum applications cannot be installed
• Depends on a good network
• Development and learning is more about 

knowledge
• Cannot monitor students individually
• Learning depends on HP battery percentage
• Many mobile differences such as iOS, Android, 

and Apple that can only be used on certain cell 
phones

• Atmosphere must be conducive
• Small memory capacity
• Small screen view

Based on Table 7 shows the advantages and disadvantages of digital learning and 
mobile learning. Digital learning and mobile learning are learning alternatives that are 
growing rapidly in line with technological developments. In addition, the COVID-19 
pandemic is still ongoing so that learning is shifted to online. There are advantages 
and disadvantages to each of the learning carried out as written in Table 5. Actually 
digital learning has been popularized since 1960 by the University of Illinois with the 
aim only to convey information to students. However, along with the development of 
technology, digital learning continues to grow rapidly so that it is often used in learning 

iJIM ‒ Vol. 16, No. 08, 2022 29



Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

including e-books, e-modul, PPT, and etc [32][41–43]. In this way, new innovations 
such as e-learning, blended learning, and mobile learning emerge.

3.10 Research implication

•	 To Researcher, can be the basis for further research in the field of digital-based 
implementation which has similarities but is in fact different. In addition, you can 
find out trends in digital-based learning that are in accordance with certain condi-
tions, both nationally and internationally.

•	 To Librarian, can be a source of new research and knowledge related to the devel-
opment of digital-based learning in an increasingly advanced era with technology

•	 To Policymakers, can provide sources of information on digital research topics that 
are growing rapidly so that they can make decisions with certain considerations 
based on valid information obtained.

4 Conclusion

Digital learning and mobile learning are two different things but still have something 
in common. Learning with mobile learning is an innovation from digital learning. Based 
on Scopus data from 1992 to 2021, digital learning and mobile learning publications 
have on average experienced a significant increase. This is due to following technolog-
ical developments and due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the results 
that have been presented, it can be seen the trends, differences, similarities, advantages, 
and disadvantages of digital learning and mobile learning. Thus, it is hoped that this 
discovery can be a reference for future discoveries in aspects of digital-based learning.

5 Acknowledgment

The author’s gratitude goes to to the Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, 
dan Teknologi Republik Indonesia who has supported funding.

6 References

 [1] Mitchell, T., Cohen, W., Hruschka, E., Talukdar, P., Yang, B., Betteridge, J., Carlson, A., 
Dalvi, B., Gardner, M., Kisiel, B. and Krishnamurthy, J. “Never-ending learning.” Commu-
nications of the ACM. vol. 61. no. 5. pp. 103–115. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1145/3191513

 [2] Abujabal, Abdalghani, Rishiraj Saha Roy, Mohamed Yahya, and Gerhard Weikum. 
“Never-ending learning for open-domain question answering over knowledge bases.” In 
Proceedings of the 2018 World Wide Web Conference. pp. 1053–1062. 2018. https://doi.
org/10.1145/3178876.3186004

 [3] Mustapha, Ishamuddin, Nguyen Thuy Van, Masoumeh Shahverdi, Muhammad Imran 
Qureshi, and Nohman Khan. “Effectiveness of digital technology in education during 
COVID-19 Pandemic. A bibliometric analysis.” International Journal of Interactive Mobile 
Technologies. vol. 15. no. 8. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i08.20415

30 http://www.i-jim.org

https://doi.org/10.1145/3191513
https://doi.org/10.1145/3178876.3186004
https://doi.org/10.1145/3178876.3186004
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i08.20415


Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

 [4] Stewart, Vivien. A world-class education: Learning from international models of excellence 
and innovation. ASCD. 2012. Available: https://books.google.co.id/

 [5] Leicht, Alexander, Bernard Combes, Won Jung Byun, and Adesuwa Vanessa Agbedahin. 
“From Agenda 21 to Target 4.7: The development of education for sustainable development.” 
Issues and trends in Education for Sustainable Development, 25. 2018. Available: https://
books.google.co.id

 [6] McGrath, Simon. Education and development. Routledge. 2018 Available: https://books.
google.co.id/

 [7] Kioupi, Vasiliki, and Nikolaos Voulvoulis. “Education for sustainable development: 
A systemic framework for connecting the SDGs to educational outcomes.” Sustainability. 
vol. 11. no. 21. pp. 6104. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126133

 [8] Nazar, Raima, Imran Sharif Chaudhry, Sajid Ali, and Muhammad Faheem. “Role of qual-
ity education for sustainable development goals (SDGS).” International Journal of Social 
Sciences. vol. 4. no. 2. pp. 486–501. https://doi.org/10.20319/pijss.2018.42.486501

 [9] Hart, Cassandra MD, Dan Berger, Brian Jacob, Susanna Loeb, and Michael Hill. “Online 
learning, offline outcomes: Online course taking and high school student performance.” 
Aera Open. vol. 5. no. 1. pp. 1–17. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858419832852

 [10] Leo, Shirley, Nizar Mohammad Alsharari, Jainambu Abbas, and Muhammad Turki 
Alshurideh. “From offline to online learning: a qualitative study of challenges and oppor-
tunities as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE higher education context.” 
The Effect of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on Business Intelligence. vol. 334. pp. 203. 
2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67151-8_12

 [11] Eltalhi, Saria, Huda Kutrani, Reem Imsallim, and Mikal Elrfadi. “The Usability of BenKids 
Mobile Learning App in Vocabulary Teaching for Preschool.” International Journal of 
Interactive Mobile Technologies. vol. 15. no. 24. pp. 4–18. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3991/
ijim.v15i24.22237

[12] Sobral, S. R. “Mobile Learning in Higher Education: A Bibliometric Review”. Interna-
tional Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies. (iJIM). vol. 4. no. 11. pp. 153–170. 2020. 
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v14i11.13973

[13] Mustapha, Ishamuddin, Nguyen Thuy Van, Masoumeh Shahverdi, Muhammad Imran 
Qureshi, and Nohman Khan. “Effectiveness of digital technology in education during 
COVID-19 pandemic. A bibliometric analysis.” International Journal of Interactive Mobile 
Technologies .(iJIM). vol. 15. no. 08. pp. 136–154. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.
v15i08.20415

[14] Van, Nguyen Thuy, Alhamzah F. Abbas, Hassan Abuhassna, Fareed Awae, and Daniel Dike. 
“Digital readiness for social educators in health care and online learning during COVID-19 
pandemic: A bibliometric analysis.” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies 
(iJIM). vol. 15. no. 18. pp. 104–115. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i18.25529

[15] Damopolii, Insar, Theresia Lumembang, and Genç Osman İlhan. “Digital Comics in Online 
Learning During COVID-19: Its Effect on Student Cognitive Learning Outcomes.” Interna-
tional Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies .(iJIM). vol. 5. no. 19. pp. 33–47. 2021. 
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i19.23395

[16] Lai, Chiu-Lin. “Trends of mobile learning: A review of the top 100 highly cited papers.” 
British Journal of Educational Technology. vol. 15. no. 3. pp. 721–742. 2020. https://doi.
org/10.1111/bjet.12884

[17] Joosten, Tanya, Kate Lee-McCarthy, Lindsey Harness, and Ryan Paulus. “Digital Learning 
Innovation Trends.” Online Learning Consortium 2020. Available: https://onlinelearning-
consortium.org/

iJIM ‒ Vol. 16, No. 08, 2022 31

https://books.google.co.id/
https://books.google.co.id
https://books.google.co.id
https://books.google.co.id/
https://books.google.co.id/
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126133
https://doi.org/10.20319/pijss.2018.42.486501
https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858419832852
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67151-8_12
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i24.22237
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i24.22237
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v14i11.13973
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i08.20415
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i08.20415
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i18.25529
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i19.23395
https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12884
https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12884
https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/
https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/


Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

[18] Siwach, Anil Kumar, and Satish Kumar. “Bibliometric Analysis of Research Publications 
of Maharshi Dayanand University (Rohtak) During 2000–2013.” DESIDOC Journal of 
Library & Information Technology. vol. 35. no. 1. pp. 17–24. 2015. https://doi.org/10.14429/
djlit.35.1.7789

[19] Yanuarti, Eva Ayu, and Nadi Suprapto. “Ten Years of Research on History of Science 
(Physics): A Bibliometric Analysis.” Studies in Philosophy of Science and Education. vol. 3. 
no. 1. pp. 7–16. 2021. https://doi.org/10.46627/sipose.v2i1.66

[20] Yeung, A. W. K., T. K. Goto, and W. K. Leung. “Brain responses to stimuli mimicking dental 
treatment among non-phobic individuals: A meta-analysis.” Oral diseases. vol. 25. no. 1. 
pp. 34–43. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.12819

[21] Parmar, Seema, Anil Kumar Siwach, and Ashwani Kumar. “Fifty years research output in 
oral submucous fibrosis: A bibliometric analysis of publications from 1967 to 2016.” DESI-
DOC Journal of Library & Information Technology. vol. 40. no. 2. pp. 470–478. 2020. 
https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.40.02.14727

[22] Merigó Lindahl, José, and Jian Bo Yang. “A bibliometric analysis of operations research 
and management science.” Omega. vol. 73. pp. 37–48. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/ 
j.omega.2016.12.004

[23] Zupic, Ivan, and Tomaž Čater. “Bibliometric methods in management and organiza-
tion.” Organizational research methods. vol. 18. no. 3. pp. 429–472. 2015. https://doi.
org/10.1177/1094428114562629

[24] Hashim, Kamarul Faizal, Ammar Rashid, and Shadi Atalla. “social media for teaching 
and learning within higher education institution: A bibliometric analysis of the literature 
(2008–2018).” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies. (iJIM). vol. 12. 
no. 7. pp. 4–19. 2018. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v12i7.9634

[25] Suprapto, Nadi, Nining Widyah Kusnanik, Sri Setyo Iriani, Setya Chendra Wibawa, 
Sujarwanto Sujarwanto, Bambang Yulianto, Suprapto Suprapto, Agus Hariyanto, and 
Nurhasan Nurhasan. “The Comparison of Scimago Institutions Rankings (SIR), Scopus, 
and SINTA Profile: A Case of The Top Indonesian Institutions,” Library Philosophy and 
Practice (e-journal). pp. 5788. 2021. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac

[26] Xie, Lin, Zhenhao Chen, Hongli Wang, Chaojun Zheng, and Jianyuan Jiang. “Bibliometric 
and visualized analysis of scientific publications on atlantoaxial spine surgery based on Web 
of Science and VOSViewer.” World neurosurgery. vol. 137. pp. 435–442. 2020. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.01.171

[27] Yuyun, Lu, Huang Mei, Shi Xinlei, and Chen Baoyan. “Bibliometric and visualization 
analysis of breast cancer stem cell literature from 2011 to 2020 based on Web of Science 
database.” Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. vol. 25. no. 25. pp. 4001–4008. 
2021.

[28] Kulakli, A., and Osmanaj, V. “Global research on big data in relation with Artificial Intelli-
gence (A bibliometric Study: 2008–2019).”. International Journal of Online and Biomedi-
cal Engineering. vol. 16. no. 2. pp. 31–46. 2020. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v16i02.12617

[29] Van Eck, Nees Jan, and Ludo Waltman. “VOSViewer Manual: Manual for VOSViewer 
version 1.6. 15.” Leiden: Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) of Leiden 
University. 2020

[30] Colavizza, Giovanni, Rodrigo Costas, Vincent A. Traag, Nees Jan van Eck, Thed van 
Leeuwen, and Ludo Waltman. “A scientometric overview of CORD-19.” Plos one. vol. 16. 
no. 1. p. e0244839. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244839

[31] Putri, Cindi Ratna, Sofyan M. Soleh, Antomi Saregar, Adyt Anugrah, and Nur Endah 
Susilowati. “Bibliometric analysis: Augmented reality-based physics laboratory with 
VOSViewer software.” In Journal of Physics: Conference Series: Earth and Environmental 
Science. vol. 1796. no. 1. p. 012056. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1796/1/012056

32 http://www.i-jim.org

https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.35.1.7789
https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.35.1.7789
https://doi.org/10.46627/sipose.v2i1.66
https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.12819
https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.40.02.14727
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2016.12.004
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2016.12.004
https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428114562629
https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428114562629
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v12i7.9634
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.01.171
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.01.171
https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v16i02.12617
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244839
https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1796/1/012056


Paper—Top 100 Cited Publications for The Last Thirty Years in Digital Learning and Mobile Learning

[32] Hitchcock, Laurel Iverson, Melanie Sage, and Nancy J. Smyth. Teaching Social Work 
with Digital Technology. Council on Social Work Education. 1701 Duke Street Suite 200, 
Alexandria, VA 22314, 2019. Available: https://eric.ed.gov/

[33] Kim, Joshua, and Edward J. Maloney. Learning innovation and the future of higher educa-
tion. JHU Press, 2020. Available: https://books.google.co.id/

[34] Mitra, Susanta, and Somsubhra Gupta. “Mobile learning under personal cloud with a virtual-
ization framework for outcome based education.” Education and Information Technologies. 
vol. 25. no. 3. pp. 2129–2156. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-10043-z

[35] Langer, A.M. Information Technology and Organizational Learning: Managing Behavioral 
Change in the Digital Age. CRC Press. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1201/978315143804

[36] Grant, Michael M. “Difficulties in defining mobile learning: Analysis, design characteris-
tics, and implications.” Educational Technology Research and Development. vol. 67. no. 2. 
pp. 361–388. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-09641-4

[37] Boonroungrut, Chinun, Wulan Patria Saroinsong, and Natthaya Thamdee. “Research on 
Students in COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreaks: A Bibliometric Network Analysis.” Interna-
tional Journal of Instruction. vol. 15. no. 1. pp. 457–472. 2022. http://www.e-iji.net/; https://
doi.org/10.29333/iji.2022.15126a

[38] Mehdipour, Yousef, and Hamideh Zerehkafi. “Mobile learning for education: Benefits and 
challenges.” International Journal of Computational Engineering Research. vol. 3. no. 6. 
pp. 93–101. 2013. Available: http://www.ijceronline.com/

[39] Veletsianos, G. ed. Emergence and innovation in digital learning: Foundations and applica-
tions. Athabasca University Press. 2016. Available: https://books.google.co.id/; https://doi.
org/10.15215/aupress/9781771991490.01

[40] Appleford, S.J., Berry, P., Brighton, J., Bruce, B.C., Buck, A., Burbules, N.C., Burton, O.V., 
Cash, T., Craig, A., Delacruz, E.M. and Diaz, L.B. Ubiquitous learning. University of Illi-
nois Press. 2010. Available: https://books.google.co.id/

[41] Lin, Ming-Hung, and Huang-G. Chen. “A study of the effects of digital learning on learn-
ing motivation and learning outcome.” Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and 
Technology Education, vol. 13. no. 7. pp. 3553–3564, 2017. https://doi.org/10.12973/
eurasia.2017.00744a

[42] Vander Ark, Tom. Getting smart: How digital learning is changing the world. John Wiley & 
Sons, 2011. Book. 2011. Available: https://books.google.co.id/

[43] Asrial, Syahrial, Dwi Agus Kurniawan, Faizal Chan, Retno Septianingsih, and Rahmat 
Perdana, “Multimedia innovation 4.0 in education: E-modul ethnoconstructivism,” Uni-
versal Journal of Educational Research, vol. 7. no. 10. pp. 2098–2107, 2019. https://doi.
org/10.13189/ujer.2019.071007

7 Authors

All author are members from grant research and take part in the jobs.
Dr. Binar Kurnia Prahani, Mohd Zaidi Bin Amiruddin, Prof. Dr. Budi Jatmiko, 

Assoc. Prof. Nadi Suprapto, Ph.D. are researcher in Universitas Negeri Surabaya, 
Surabaya, Indonesia. 

Tan Amelia, S.Kom., M.MT. is researcher in Universitas Dinamika, Surabaya, 
Indonesia. 

Article submitted 2022-01-28. Resubmitted 2022-02-24. Final acceptance 2022-02-24. Final version 
published as submitted by the authors.

iJIM ‒ Vol. 16, No. 08, 2022 33

https://eric.ed.gov/
https://books.google.co.id/
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-10043-z
https://doi.org/10.1201/978315143804
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-09641-4
http://www.e-iji.net/
https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2022.15126a
https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2022.15126a
http://www.ijceronline.com/
https://books.google.co.id/
https://doi.org/10.15215/aupress/9781771991490.01
https://doi.org/10.15215/aupress/9781771991490.01
https://books.google.co.id/
https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.00744a
https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.00744a
https://books.google.co.id/
https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.071007
https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.071007