Methodological evolution in educational technology research: a paradigm-sensitive narrative review of ICT integration studies

This narrative review critically examines the methodological landscape of educational technology and ICT integration research through the lens of evolving educational paradigms. Utilising Scopus AI's analytical capabilities, this paper examines how shifts from behaviourist to constructivist to connectivist paradigms have fundamentally reshaped research methodologies in the field. The review identifies methodological strengths, persistent weaknesses, and critical gaps in current EdTech research, proposing a paradigm-conscious methodological framework that aligns research approaches with underlying philosophical assumptions about learning, technology, and educational management. Drawing on sources spanning 2010-2025, the analysis documents the emergence of design-based research, learning analytics, mixed methods, and AI-enhanced approaches while identifying concerning patterns including theoretical thinness, paradigm-method incoherence, quality limitations, and the systematic overestimation of technology effects. The review contributes a comprehensive mapping of paradigm-methodology relationships, a comparative analysis of contemporary methodological approaches, quality criteria across research traditions, and practical guidelines for paradigm-coherent research practice. Implications for researchers, doctoral training, and the field's methodological development are discussed, with an emphasis on achieving "principled diversity" - the embrace of multiple approaches united by shared commitments to rigour, transparency, and the improvement of technology-enhanced learning.