Trends and Transformations: A Bibliometric Analysis of Eye-Tracking Research in Educational Technology

This study employs bibliometric analysis to provide a comprehensive review of eye-tracking research in the field of educational technology. The study analyzed 374 relevant papers published in 19 high-quality journals from the Web of Science core collection between 2001 and 1 June 2024. The findings reveal research trends, hot topics, and future directions in this field. The findings indicate an upward trend in the application of eye-tracking technology in educational technology, with a significant increase noted after 2014. China, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands dominate research in this area, contributing to a substantial amount of high-quality research output. Keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals that terms such as "attention," "cognitive load," "information," and "comprehension" are currently hot topics of research. Burst keyword analysis further reveals the evolution of research trends. These trends have shifted from an initial focus on information processing and application studies to a growing emphasis on learner understanding and behavior analysis, ultimately concentrating on learning outcomes and the exploration of emerging technology applications. This study not only provides researchers in the field of educational technology with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of eye-tracking research but also points to future research directions, particularly in optimizing instructional design, enhancing learning outcomes, and exploring the applications of emerging educational technologies using eye-tracking technology.