Mapping Research Trends of Project Based Learning for Students’ Digital Literacy: A Bibliometric Analysis
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v12i5.14058Published:
2026-05-25Downloads
Abstract
The integration of technology with project-based learning (PjBL) has become a key approach to fostering 21st-century skills, particularly digital literacy. However, research exploring the relationship between PjBL and digital literacy remains fragmented and lacks comprehensive mapping. This study aims to analyze research trends and thematic evolution related to PjBL and students’ digital literacy using a bibliometric approach. A total of 184 articles indexed in Scopus from 2015 to 2025 were analyzed using VOSviewer, including performance analysis, thematic mapping, and keyword co-occurrence. The results show a steady increase in publications, with a significant rise after 2020. The analysis identifies major research clusters focusing on digital literacy, immersive learning, instructional innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches. Furthermore, the findings suggest that PjBL is widely associated with enhancing student engagement, problem-solving skills, and broader 21st-century competencies. This study highlights emerging research directions, including the need for more robust pedagogical frameworks and increased cross-disciplinary collaboration. In conclusion, the integration of PjBL and digital literacy demonstrates strong potential to support more interactive and meaningful science learning aligned with digital era demands. Future research should focus on developing more adaptive and technology-integrated PjBL strategies.
Keywords:
Bibliometic analysis Digital literacy Project-based learning Science MappingReferences
Adlim, M., & Syukri, M. (2021). The Indonesian Journal of the Social Sciences Learning of Multimedia-Based Physics Concept Applications to Improve Students ’ Motivation and Science Process Skills. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v9i3.557
Afriani, G. (2025). Implementing Project-Based Learning to Enhance 21st Century Skills Among Senior High School Students. Global Education Journal, 3(2), 463–471. https://doi.org/10.59525/gej.v3i2.716
Afrina, C., & Zulaikha, S. R. (2024). Low Digital Literacy in Indonesia: Online Media Content Analysis. Record and Library Journal, 10(2), 374–387. https://doi.org/10.20473/rlj.V10-I2.2024.374-387
Ahmad, L. S., Prasetyo, Z. K., & Ahmad, L. S. (2024). Discovery Learning-Based Virtual Laboratory in Physics Education as an Effort to Enhance Students ’Scientific Attitudes. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(3), 1433–1441. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i3.5522
Akhmetzhanova, G., Zhanzhigitov, S., Bermukhambetova, B., Zhuzeyev, S., & Zhailauova, M. (2025). The Impact of Digital Technologies on the Students’ Independent Learning Development. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 15(9), 1853–1863. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2025.15.9.2386
Arifin, Z. B., Farkhan, M. N., Tasjuddin, M. R., & Aziz, S. (2024). Linguanusa Digital Literacy as a Fundamental Competency in the 21st Century Education. Linguanusa Social Humanities, Education and Linguistic, 2(3), 18–32. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9iSpecialIssue.4083
Asmayawati, Yufiarti, & Yetti, E. (2024). Pedagogical innovation and curricular adaptation in enhancing digital literacy: A Local Wisdom Approach for Sustainable Development in Indonesia Context. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(1), 100233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100233
Asrizal, A., Amran, A., Ananda, A., & Festiyed, F. (2018). Effectiveness of Adaptive Contextual Learning Model of Integrated Science by Integrating Digital Age Literacy on Grade VIII Students. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 335(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/335/1/012067
Audrin, C., & Audrin, B. (2022). Key Factors in Digital Literacy in Learning and Education: A Systematic Literature Review Using Text Mining. Education and Information Technologies, 7395–7419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10832-5
Bakermans, M. H., & Ziino Plotke, R. (2018). Assessing Information Literacy Instruction in Interdisciplinary First Year Project-Based Courses with STEM Students. Library & Information Science Research, 40(2), 98–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2018.05.003
Bartolome, J., & Garaizar, P. (2022). Design and Validation of a Novel Tool to Assess Citizens ’ Netiquette and Information and Data Literacy Using Interactive Simulations. Sustainability, 14, 3392. https:// doi.org/10.3390/su14063392
Baziuk, D., & Rupšien, I. (2025). How E-Learning Platforms are Addressing Project-Based Learning: An Assessment of Digital Learning Tools in Primary Education. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 15(12422), 715–725. https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312422
Chen, Z., & Zainudding, Z. (2024). Systematic Review on Developing Digital Literacy Approach in Higher Education Institution. Uniglobal of Journal Social Sciences and Humanities, 3, 234–241. https://doi.org/10.53797/ujssh.v3i2.22.2024
Chistyakov, A. A., Kunitsyna, M. L., & Yagudina, R. I. (2023). Exploring the Characteristics and Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning for Science and STEAM Education. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(5), 2256. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/13128
Chueh, H.-E., & Kao, C.-Y. (2024). Exploring the impact of integrating problem based learning and agile in the classroom on enhancing professional competence. Heliyon, 10(3), e24887. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24887
Dai, W. (2024). Digital Literacy Education: A New Approach to Cultivating 21st Century Key Competencies. Journal of Basic and Applied Research International, 30(5), 48–57. https://doi.org/10.56557/jobari/2024/v30i58906 Open
Dašić, D., Kostadinović, M. I., Vlajković, M., & Pavlović, M. (2024). Digital Literacy in the Service of Science and Scientific Knowledge. Research in Science, Engineering and Education (IJSRSEE), 12(1), 219–227. https://doi.org/10.23947/2334-8496-2024-12-1-219-227
Deschênes, A.-A. (2024). Digital Literacy, the use of Collaborative Technologies, and Perceived Social Proximity in a Hybrid Work Environment: Technology as a Social Binder. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 13, 100351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2023.100351
Fami, A., Rasita, I., Barus, G., & Wahyoedi, B. (2023). Project-Based Learning as a Catalyst for Promoting Digital Literacy: A Case Study of Software Engineering Technology Students. E3S Web of Conferences, 03012(454). https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202345403012
Fitri, I. A. (2023). Bibliometric Analysis: Research Trends in Project Based Learning Learning Models on Science Lesson Content ( 2003- 2023 ). Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(Special Issue), 159–164. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9iSpecialIssue.4083
Fitriani, W., & Mustadi, A. (2021). The Use of PBL-Based Interactive Multimedia to Develop Student Science Process Skill. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 54(2014), 150–159. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpp.v54i1
Frailon, J., Ainley, J., Schulz, W., Friedman, T., & Duckworth, D. (2018). Preparing for Life in a Digital World: IEA International Computer and Information Literacy Study 2018 International Report. Preparing for Life in a Digital World, 1–321. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38781-5
Gabuardi, V. (2021). Project-Based Learning: Boosting 21st Century Skills. Estudios, 340–419. https://doi.org/10.15517/re.v0i43.49335
Getenet, S., Cantle, R., Redmond, P., & Albion, P. (2024). Students’ Digital Technology Attitude, Literacy and Self Efficacy and Their Effect on Online Learning Engagement. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21(3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00437-y
Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L. S., & Admiraal, W. (2020). A Review of Project-based Learning in Higher Education: Student Outcomes and Measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102, 101586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586
Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the Role of Digital Technologies in Education: A review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 275–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004
Haug, B. S., & Mork, S. M. (2021). Taking 21st Century Skills from Vision to Classroom: What Teachers Highlight as Supportive Professional Development in the Light of New Demands from Educational Reforms. Teaching and Teacher Education, 100, 103286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103286
Herrera, L. A., Lopez, C. R., & Sciences, F. O. (2024). The Role Of Digital Simulation in Enhancing Conceptual Understanding of Physics Among University Students. International Journal of Mathematics and Science Education, 1(1), 62–68. https://doi.org/10.62951/ijmse.v1i1.82
Hikmawati, Alqadri, B., Syazali, M., & Firmansyah, D. (2025). Analysis of Digital Literacy and Creativity of Prospective Teacher Students in Project-Based Lectures with Hybrid Mode. Reflection Journal, 5(1), 438–448. https://doi.org/10.36312/rj.v5i1.2966
Hinostroza, J. E., Armstrong-gallegos, S., Soto-valenzuela, P., & Villafaena, M. (2025). Phases and Activities of Technology-Integrated Project-Based Learning in K-12: Findings from a Systematic Literature Review. Education Sciences, 15(8), 1021. https://doi.org/10.3390/ educsci15081021
Ilomäki, L., Lakkala, M., Kallunki, V., Mundy, D., Romero, M., Romeu, T., & Gouseti, A. (2023). Critical Digital Literacies at School Level: A Systematic Review. Review of Education BERA, 11(August), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3425
Irawan, M. D., Tarigan, M. F. A., & Siregar, Y. H. (2024). Analisis Blibiometrik: Pemetaan Ten Penelitian Menggunakan Aplikasi R (1st ed.). Jakarta: Deepublish digital.
Januarti, I. M., & Muliyadi, L. (2024). Development of Ethnoscience-Based Student Worksheet Using the Guided Inquiry Learning Model to Increase Students’ Learning Motivation and Scientific Literacy: A Review. International Journal of Science Education and Science, 1(1), 13–18. https://doi.org/10.56566/ijses.v1i1.109
Karagul, B. I., Seker, M., & Aykut, C. (2021). Investigating Students ’ Digital Literacy Levels during Online Education Due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Sustainability, 13(11878), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3390/ su132111878 Academic
Khualid, K., & Rohmah, S. N. (2025). Effectiveness of Interactive Animation Media in Improving Conceptual Understanding Physics Education at National High School of Tengku. Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 1(3), 82–88. https://doi.org/10.70716/josme.v1i3.242
Laar, E. Van, Deursen, A. J. A. M. Van, Dijk, J. A. G. M. Van, & Haan, J. De. (2020). Determinants of 21st-Century Skills and 21st-Century Digital Skills for Workers: A Systematic Literature Review. Sage Jounal, 1, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019900176
Lim, C. K., Haufiku, M. S., Tan, K. L., Farid Ahmed, M., & Ng, T. F. (2022). Systematic Review of Education Sustainable Development in Higher Education Institutions. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(20), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013241
Listiana, L., Dyah, V., & Sari, A. (2025). Assessing Digital Literacy Levels and Challenges Among Junior High School Students in Yogyakarta. Journal of English in Academic and Proffesional Communication JEAPOCO, 11(2), 103–120. https://doi.org/10.25047/jeapco.v11i2.5788
Maries, A., Lin, S., & Singh, C. (2017). Challenges in Designing Appropriate Scaffolding to Improve Students’ Representational Consistency: The Case of a Gauss ’ s Law Problem. ArXiv, 020103(13), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.13.020103
Markula, A., & Aksela, M. (2022). The Key Characteristics of Project-Based Learning: How Teachers Implement Projects in K-12 Science Education. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 4(2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-021-00042-x
Martinez, C. (2022). Developing 21 Century Teaching Skills: A Case Study of Teaching and Learning through Project- Based Curriculum Developing 21 st Century Teaching Skills: A Case Study of Teaching and Learning Through Project-Based Curriculum. Cogent Education, 00(00). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2021.2024936
Masnia, L., Prastiti, T. D., & Utomo, A. P. (2025). The Effect of the Project-Based Learning Model with Digital Learning Media on Science Literacy and Numeracy Skills in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Al-Adzka: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Guru Madrasah, 15(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.18592/aladzkapgmi.v15i1.14201 This
Monteiro, M., & Martí, A. C. (2022). Resource Letter MDS-1: Mobile Devices and Sensors for Physics Teaching. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2206.12062
Mota, F. B., Cabral, B. P., Amara, L., Braga, M., & Lopes, R. M. (2024). Mapping the Global Research on Project-Based Learning: A Bibliometric and Network Analysis. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1522694. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1522694
Mufaridah, F., Yono, T., Hamdani, M. S., & Pujangga, F. (2025). Digital Literacy on Project-Based Learning: Teacher and Student Perceptions. Indonesian Journal of Educational Science (IJES), 8(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.31605/ijes.v8i1.5024
Mufit, F., Hendriyani, Y., & Dhanil, M. (2023). Augmented Reality dan Virtual Reality Berbasis Konflik Kognitif sebagai Media Pembelajaran Abad ke 21 (1st ed.). Padang: Rajawali Pers.
Muliyadi, L., Doyan, A., Susilawati, Hamidi, Hakim, S., & Munandar, H. (2023). Training on Using PhET Virtual Media on Newton’s Law of Gravity for Class X Students at Islamic Senior High School of Syaikh Abdurrahman Kotaraja, East Lombok. BPI Journal of Community Service, 1(1), 15–18. Retrieved from https://journals.balaipublikasi.id/index.php/jcss/article/view/68
Munandar, H., Doyan, A., Susilawati, S., Hakim, S., Muliyadi, L., & Hamidi, H. (2024). Increasing Motivation to Study Physics Using PhET Media on Mechanical Energy Material. MANDALIKA: Journal of Social Science, 2(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.56566/mandalika.v2i1.70
Nkomo, L. M., Daniel, B. K., & Butson, R. J. (2021). Synthesis of Student Engagement with Digital Technologies: A Systematic Review of the Literature. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 18(34), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00270-1
Nurhasanah, N., Hamida, N. A., Detagory, W. N., Darmayanti, V., Dias, N., & Dewi, L. (2025). Student Digital Literacy Profile: Diagnostic Analysis and Its Implications for Learning. Journal of Science Learning, 8(2), 144–155. https://doi.org/10.17509/jsl.v8i2.81484
OECD. (2024). PISA 2022 Results (Volume III): Creative Minds, Creative Schools, PISA. Factsheets, I, 1–9. Retrieved from https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2022-results-volume-i_53f23881-en%0A
Oliveira, R. M. D. E., Garbin, M. C., & Azevedo, R. (2025). Global Overview of Computational Thinking and Digital Tools for Teaching. ArXiv Preprint, 09(11), 1–36. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2510.16847
Oskarita, E., & Nur, H. (2024). The Role of Digital Tools in Enhancing Collaborative Learning in Secondary Education. International Journal of Educational Research, 1(1), 26–32. https://doi.org/10.62951/ijer.v1i1.15
P21. (2019). Framework for 21st century learning. Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 1–2. Retrieved from http://static.battelleforkids.org/documents/p21/P21_framework_0816_2pgs.pdf%0A
Passas, I. (2024). Bibliometric Analysis: The Main Steps. Encyclopedia, 4(2), 1014–1025. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4020065
Raharja, E. P., Sutomo, E., Hidayat, F. A., Kasan, A., & Mangkasa, N. (2025). Smartphone Sensor-Based Physics Module for Hands-On Learning in Waves and Optics. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(3), 580–590. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i3.10240
Rahayu, & Khairi, Q. (2025). Enhancing Students ’ ICT Literacy Through a Web-Based Project Learning Model. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(1), 894–904. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i1.6443
Reddy, P., Chaudhary, K., & Hussein, S. (2023). A Digital Literacy Model to Narrow the digital Literacy Skills Gap. Heliyon, 9(4), e14878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14878
Rehman, N., Huang, X., Mahmood, A., AlGerafi, M. A. M., & Javed, S. (2024). Project-based Learning as a Catalyst for 21st-Century Skills and Student Engagement in the Math Classroom. Heliyon, 10(23), e39988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39988
Rozan, A. D., Syahri, B., Prasetya, F., Fortuna, A., & Dwinggo, A. (2024). The Impact of Project-based Learning on 21st Century Skill Development of Vocational Engineering Students : A systematic literature review. Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer, 3(3), 189–212. https://doi.org/10.58712/jerel.v3i3.168
Scheel, L., Vladova, G., & Ullrich, A. (2022). The Influence of Digital Competences , self‑ organization , and Independent Learning Abilities on Students’ Acceptance of Digital Learning. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00350-w
Setiawan, S., Munir, A., & Rojabi, A. R. (2025). A Systematic Review of Technology-Enhanced Project-Based Language Learning : Theoretical Frameworks, Project Types, and Implications for Future Research and Practice Ainun Fikria Indonesia. F1000Research, 14(775), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.165491.1
Stefan, K., Ubben, M., Dzsotjan, D., Mukhametov, S., Weidner, A., Qerimi, L., Kuhn, J., Heusler, S., & Sherson, J. F. (2023). The Impact of An Interactive Visualization and Simulation Tool on Learning Quantum Physics: Results of An Eye-tracking Study. ArXiv, 13(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2302.06286
Susilawati, A., Halim, A., Syukri, M., & Khaldun, I. (2022). The Effect of Using Physics Education Technology (PhET) Simulation Media to Enhance Students’ Motivation and Problem-Solving Skills in Learning Physics. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i3.1571
Thornhill-Miller, B., Camarda, A., Mercier, M., Burkhardt, J. M., Morisseau, T., Bourgeois-Bougrine, S., Vinchon, F., El Hayek, S., Augereau-Landais, M., Mourey, F., Feybesse, C., Sundquist, D., & Lubart, T. (2023). Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration: Assessment, Certification, and Promotion of 21st Century Skills for the Future of Work and Education. Journal of Intelligence, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11030054
Voogt, J., & Roblin, N. P. (2012). A Comparative Analysis of International Frameworks for 21st Century Competences: Implications for National Curriculum Policies. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 44(3), 299–321. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220272.2012.668938
Wahidin, W., Gutierrez, G., Osman, K., & Akkapin, S. (2025). Digital Simulations in Science Learning : A Student Perspective on Interactive , Engagement, Conceptual Understanding, and Learning Satisfaction. International Journal of Education Qualitative Quantitative Research (IJE-QQR), 4(1), 36–46. https://doi.org/10.58418/ijeqqr.v4i1.138
Warkentin, M., Altmeyen, K., Liang, Y., Steinmacher, B., & Gr¨anz, B. (2025). Hands-on Experiment Supported by Augmented Reality Smartglasses for Learning the Lorentz Force. ArXiv Preprint, 10(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2502.06421
Zhang, L., & Ma, Y. (2023). A Study of the Impact of Project-based Learning on Student Learning Effects: A Meta-analysis study. Frontiers in Physcology, 14(1202728), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1202728
Zupic, I., & Čater, T. (2015). Bibliometric Methods in Management and Organization. Organizational Research Methods, 18(3), 429–472. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428114562629
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Farisi Engrini, Asrizal, Fatni Mufit, Fuja Novitra

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY License). This license allows authors to use all articles, data sets, graphics, and appendices in data mining applications, search engines, web sites, blogs, and other platforms by providing an appropriate reference. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and will retain publishing rights without restrictions.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).






