Building digital thinkers: A bibliometric analysis of computational thinking in children’s education for a sustainable future

Rita Wong Mee Mee; Fatin Syamilah Che Yob; Lim Seong Pek; Muhammad Fairuz Abd Rauf; Yang Mingmei; Ali Derahvasht

doi:10.30935/cedtech/16309

Rita Wong Mee Mee ¹, Fatin Syamilah Che Yob ² ^* , Lim Seong Pek ², Muhammad Fairuz Abd Rauf ³, Yang Mingmei ⁴, Ali Derahvasht ⁵

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CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 17, Issue 3, Article No: ep581

https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16309

Submitted: 19 December 2024, Published Online: 01 May 2025

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Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) has emerged as a foundational skill for young learners, preparing them to navigate and contribute to an increasingly digital world. This bibliometric analysis utilizes 374 articles from the Web of Science database to explore the research landscape surrounding CT in children’s learning, focusing on its applications in language acquisition and cognitive development. Using co-citation and keyword co-occurrence analyses, the study identifies key thematic clusters, including CT’s integration into curricula, its role in enhancing critical thinking, and its social-emotional benefits. Findings suggest that CT holds significant potential in advancing equitable and inclusive education, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 by promoting accessible, high-quality learning experiences. Furthermore, CT’s interactive and problem-solving methodologies, such as coding exercises and robotics, actively engage children and encourage collaborative learning, directly supporting SDG 10 by reducing educational inequalities across diverse learning environments. This analysis not only highlights CT’s transformative impact on traditional educational practices but also reveals critical research gaps, particularly in the areas of inclusivity and accessibility. Future research is encouraged to investigate these areas further, advancing sustainable educational strategies that equip children with essential skills for a rapidly evolving technological landscape, thus fostering resilience, adaptability, and creativity among young learners.

Keywords: computational thinking, children’s education, digital literacy, cognitive development, creativity

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Citation

Mee, R. W. M., Yob, F. S. C., Pek, L. S., Rauf, M. F. A., Mingmei, Y., & Derahvasht, A. (2025). Building digital thinkers: A bibliometric analysis of computational thinking in children’s education for a sustainable future. Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(3), ep581. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16309

Mee, R. W. M., Yob, F. S. C., Pek, L. S., Rauf, M. F. A., Mingmei, Y., and Derahvasht, A. (2025). Building digital thinkers: A bibliometric analysis of computational thinking in children’s education for a sustainable future. Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(3), ep581. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16309

Mee RWM, Yob FSC, Pek LS, Rauf MFA, Mingmei Y, Derahvasht A. Building digital thinkers: A bibliometric analysis of computational thinking in children’s education for a sustainable future. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2025;17(3), ep581. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16309

Mee, Rita Wong Mee, Fatin Syamilah Che Yob, Lim Seong Pek, Muhammad Fairuz Abd Rauf, Yang Mingmei, and Ali Derahvasht. "Building digital thinkers: A bibliometric analysis of computational thinking in children’s education for a sustainable future". Contemporary Educational Technology 2025 17 no. 3 (2025): ep581. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16309

Mee, Rita Wong Mee et al. "Building digital thinkers: A bibliometric analysis of computational thinking in children’s education for a sustainable future". Contemporary Educational Technology, vol. 17, no. 3, 2025, ep581. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16309

Mee RWM, Yob FSC, Pek LS, Rauf MFA, Mingmei Y, Derahvasht A. Building digital thinkers: A bibliometric analysis of computational thinking in children’s education for a sustainable future. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2025;17(3):ep581. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16309