Evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and assessment in education: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

The rapid evolution of digital technologies and computer sciences is ushering society into a technologically driven future where machines continually advance to meet human needs and enhance their own intelligence. Among these groundbreaking innovations, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a cornerstone technology with far-reaching implications. This study undertakes a bibliometric review to investigate contemporary AI and assessment topics in education, aiming to delineate its evolving scope. The Web of Science Databases provided the articles for analysis, spanning from 1994 to September 2023. The study seeks to address research questions about prominent publication years, authors, countries, universities, journals, citation topics, and highly cited articles. The study’s findings illuminate the dynamic nature of AI in educational assessment research, with AI firmly establishing itself as a vital component of education. The study underscores global collaboration, anticipates emerging technologies, and highlights pedagogical implications. Prominent trends emphasize machine learning, Chat GPT, and their application in higher education and medical education, affirming AI's transformative potential. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of this study, including data currency and the evolving nature of AI in education. Nonetheless, AI applications are poised to remain a prominent concern in educational technology for the foreseeable future, promising innovative solutions and insights.