A Systematic Review of Paradigm Approaches to Research and Modelling of Educational Ecosystems

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a qualitative study based on a systematic scoping review that aimed to identify and analyse approaches to explore and model ecosystem dimensions of education. Seventy-six publications indexed in the Scopus database from the period 1999-2024 were selected and analysed. The results demonstrate that the study of educational ecosystems is based on mixed paradigm approaches combining constructivist and connectivist principles and constructs, and their modelling integrates two sets of characteristics - structural and value-functional - in a leading way. Structurally, the underlying ecosystem centres on school and higher education, lifelong learning and business-oriented learning. In value-functional terms, the guiding priorities are digitalisation, inclusion, good governance, innovation and sustainability.