Simulation-based learning for computer and networking teaching: A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis

Simulation-based learning (SBL) offers an extensive variety of chances to practice complex computer and networking skills in higher education and to implement diverse kinds of platforms to facilitate effective learning. Utilizing visualization and computer network simulation tools in teaching computer networking courses has been found to be useful for both teachers and learners. However, little effort has been made to assess the status of this research area and investigate the factors that influence students' perceptions and intentions to use simulation-based learning. Therefore, this study performed a Systemic Literature Review (SLR) to analyze studies of simulation-based learning and utilized a factor derivation method to recognize and categorize the factors derived from students' perceptions of simulation tools in education. Moreover, this study conducted bibliometric techniques to investigate SBL by analyzing scientific publications, the geographical distribution of articles, the co-occurrence of authors' keywords, and the Cite score per year for each article. The study considered Scopus-indexed SBL articles published between 2012 and April 2023. VOSviewer software and PRISMA protocol were employed for bibliometric descriptive analysis and data analysis. The results obtained from the SLR indicate that Cisco Packet Tracer is the most commonly used tool in simulation-based learning for teaching computer networks. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and behavioral intention, are among the most indicated factors from the review which influence students' perception of simulation-based learning tools. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the USA is the leading country in SBL. Additionally, simulation-based learning was the most frequently used keyword in the abstract, keywords, and literature. This study provides the theoretical groundwork for forthcoming empirical studies and helps to understand the advantages of using simulation-based learning tools in teaching and learning.