Online teaching success in higher education: insights from bibliometrics and content analysis

Purpose This study investigates the research landscape concerning online teaching success in higher education. Design/methodology/approach We utilize bibliometric and content analysis methods on a dataset consisting of 115 documents, indexed in both Scopus and Web of Science, and published between 2008 and 2023. Findings The findings reveal a notable surge in publication output coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a rapid expansion of the research community during this period. However, despite this growth, collaborative efforts among researchers remain limited. The United States, Germany and China have emerged as the most influential contributors to this field, although a restricted collaboration network persists. Current sources predominantly focus on scopes related to digital technology, while pedagogical issues remain underrepresented. This study also identifies nine key themes and outlines potential avenues for future research within each. Originality/value The research findings map a knowledge base for the success of online teaching in higher education and suggest potential future research directions that balance technological advancement with pedagogical efficacy and the involvement of stakeholders.