Valverde-Berrocoso, J., Garrido-Arroyo, M. D. C., Burgos-Videla, C., & Morales-Cevallos, M. B. (2020). Trends in educational research about e-learning: A systematic literature review (2009–2018). Sustainability, 12(12), 5153.

Summary: This article provides a comprehensive systematic review of e-learning research from 2009 to 2018. It identifies major trends, including the increasing focus on adaptive learning technologies, the shift from theoretical to practical research, and the growing interest in learner-centered pedagogical models. The study emphasizes the need for more interdisciplinary research and long-term empirical studies to assess the effectiveness of e-learning interventions.

Evaluation: The review is thorough and provides an insightful synthesis of a decade’s worth of e-learning research. It effectively highlights the transformation of e-learning from theoretical models to more practical, application-based research, making it a valuable resource for understanding the future of educational technology. However, the study could have benefitted from a more focused exploration of specific e-learning tools or platforms and their direct impact on different educational settings.

Reflection: This article is highly relevant to my research, as it presents a clear picture of the shifting focus within e-learning research towards more adaptive and personalized learning models. The emphasis on the need for long-term empirical studies aligns with my interest in evaluating the sustained impact of technology-enhanced learning environments. This piece will help inform my approach to examining how e-learning can be integrated into broader educational frameworks, particularly in special education and hybrid learning models.