Personalized and Interactive Mobile Learning in Early Childhood Education: A Bibliometric Study (2015–2024)

Lu Xu; Mohd Nazri Abdul Rahman; Seng Yue Wong; Zhongyao Chen

doi:10.3991/ijim.v19i10.53587

Authors

Lu Xu Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Chongqing City Vocational College, Chongqing, China https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5661-3785
Mohd Nazri Abdul Rahman Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8207-1018
Seng Yue Wong Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9278-4348
Zhongyao Chen Chongqing City Vocational College, Chongqing, China https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5603-7191

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v19i10.53587

Keywords:

early childhood education, bibliometric analysis, artificial intelligence, emerging mobile and interactive models, personalized learning, blended learning, adaptive learning, AI-assisted learning

Abstract

Over the past decade, early childhood education (ECE) has undergone unprecedented transformations driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, as well as mobile and interactive technologies. Emerging technologies have profoundly reshaped the ECE landscape, fostering innovations in educational models, teaching methodologies, and learning experiences. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to explore the evolution and innovation of emerging mobile and interactive models (EMIM) in ECE, with a specific focus on the application of personalized learning, adaptive learning, blended learning, intelligent tutoring, and AI-assisted learning on the foundation of EMIM. Through a bibliometric review of relevant literature over the last decade, this paper examines trends in annual publications, leading research sources, national and regional contributions, author collaborations, and the thematic evolution of research topics. The findings reveal a general upward trend in publication output in the emerging mobile and interactive models in early childhood education (ECE-EMIM) domain, with personalized learning and the application of mobile-enabled AI technologies emerging as central research themes. The United States, China, and European countries lead the field, with increasing cross-national collaboration. Moreover, research topics have progressively shifted from foundational technological exploration to more sophisticated personalized and intelligent learning models based on EMIM. As technological advancements continue, ECE-EMIM is poised to further drive global innovation in preschool education.

Author Biographies

Lu Xu, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Chongqing City Vocational College, Chongqing, China

Lu Xu is a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, specializing in AI-assisted education, instructional technology, educational technology, and early childhood education. She also serves as a senior lecturer at Chongqing City Vocational College, China, where she is dedicated to advancing early childhood education practices. As part of the "Smart Classroom Revolution" project, Lu Xu leads one study and contributes to two others. She has also co-authored three academic books in her field.

Mohd Nazri Abdul Rahman, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Nazri Abdul Rahman is the Deputy Dean (Student Affairs) at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya. He holds a PhD in Curriculum Design and Development from Universiti Malaya and is an active researcher in the fields of early childhood education, homeschooling, indigenous education, and teaching and learning innovation. Dr. Mohd Nazri has contributed to both Malaysian and international academic platforms, with his research findings published in reputable journals.

Seng Yue Wong, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Associate Professor Dr. Seng Yue Wong is an academic and researcher with a strong background in information science and technology. He earned his PhD in Information Science from National University of Malaysia, where he also completed his Master’s in Information Technology (MIT) and Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (Hons). Dr. Wong is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Currently serving at Universiti Malaya, his works focus on Information Science and Educational Technology. His current research interests include mobile augmented reality in STEM education, gamification, and digital transformation.

Zhongyao Chen, Chongqing City Vocational College, Chongqing, China

Associate Professor Zhongyao Chen is the Dean of the Faculty of Culture, Tourism, and Wellness at Chongqing City Vocational College in China. A Senior Economist and certified assessor for Chain Operation Management Qualification, Professor Chen has led six provincial-level research projects and published over twenty academic papers. His recent research focuses on teacher training, educational management, and educational technology.