Exploring open access research in education technology: Advancing knowledge and innovation

Open access (OA) research has gained momentum in education technology (EdTech), enabling the broader dissemination of knowledge and fostering innovation. This study aims to conduct a systematic assessment of OA contributions to EdTech from 2015 to 2023 by examining productivity indicators, citation patterns, collaborative networks, and emergent research directions. To identify the publication trends and outputs of OA research in EdTech, this study uses a scientometric approach. OriginPro and VOSviewer are used to analyze co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence. The study shows improvement in OA research in EdTech, pointing to its contribution to collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. Additionally, this study underscores the role of OA in empowering educators and learners at the grassroots level, particularly in under-resourced and rural settings, by enabling free access to the latest research, tools, and pedagogical innovations that would otherwise be inaccessible. The current research highlights the role of OA in increasing access and reach in EdTech research, and suggests that further qualitative research should be conducted regarding the societal aspect of EdTech.