DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY-SUPPORTED PROBLEM SOLVING IN ECONOMICS EDUCATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF EVIDENCE FROM 2021–2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36733/jsp.v16i2.14590Keywords:
Economic Education, Problem Solving, Digital Literacy, Technology Integration, Systematic Literature ReviewAbstract
This study aims to systematically explore the integration of digital technology and problem-solving strategies in economic learning, with a particular focus on developing countries, especially Indonesia. A qualitative approach using the Systematic Literature Review method was applied to ten internationally indexed scientific articles published between 2021 to 2025. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 Plus software to examine patterns, research gaps, and relevant best practices. The research reveals three main findings: the integration of digital technology and problem-solving strategies significantly contributes to the creation of an interactive, adaptive, and contextual learning environment through gamification, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and interactive e-learning platforms; limitations in digital infrastructure and low technological literacy among educators are major obstacles; and pedagogical reform is needed through teacher training, curriculum modernization, and digital transformation policies. These findings provide actionable recommendations for educators and policymakers in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 for inclusive and quality education. The novelty of this research lies in the conceptual synthesis that integrates digital technology with contextual problem-solving strategies in economics education in developing countries.
Downloads
References
Al Ghifari, F. H. (2024). Guru dalam Pembelajaran di Era Digital. An-Nibraas, 3(01), 32–44. https://doi.org/10.62589/jurnalpemikiranislam.v3i01.252
Albasry, H., Carmona-Cejudo, E., Rauf, A., & Chen, D. (2025). A systematically derived AI-based framework for student-centered learning in higher education. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 102085. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.102085
Alfarras, J., Kurniawan, D., & Setiawan, B. (2023). Efektivitas Penggunaan Media Pembelajaran Interaktif Mentimeter Terhadap Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa. Edutech: Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan, 22(3), 2023. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.17509/e.v22i3.61769
Aslan, A. (2021). Problem- based learning in live online classes: Learning achievement, problem-solving skill, communication skill, and interaction. Computers & Education, 171, 104237. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104237
Atteh, E. (2022). Exploring the Effect of Constructivist Learning Approach on Pre-service Teachers Problem Solving Skills in Mathematics at Wiawso College of Education. Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, 18(4), 174–185. https://doi.org/10.9734/arjass/2022/v18i4414
Balalle, H. (2024). Exploring student engagement in technology-based education in relation to gamification, online/distance learning, and other factors: A systematic literature review. Social Sciences and Humanities Open, 9(March), 100870. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100870
Bawa, I., & Bawa, S. (2025). Bridging EdTech gaps: Examining learning equity in low-income educational settings. International Journal of Educational Development, 118, 103398. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2025.103398
Berkat, Setinawati, & Basrowi. (2025). The role of educational management in enhancing innovation and problem-solving competencies for students towards global competitiveness: A literature review. Social Sciences and Humanities Open, 11(December 2024), 101280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101280
Calderón, A., Merono, L., & MacPhail, A. (2020). A student-centred digital technology approach: The relationship between intrinsic motivation, learning climate and academic achievement of physical education pre-service teachers. European Physical Education Review, 26(1), 241–262.
Celik, I. (2023). Towards Intelligent-TPACK: An empirical study on teachers’ professional knowledge to ethically integrate artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools into education. Computers in Human Behavior, 138, 107468. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2022.107468
Chaiyarat, K. (2024). Enhancing creative problem solving and learning motivation in social studies classrooms with gamified cooperative learning. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 54, 101616. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101616
Chen, X., Liu, X., & Zhu, Q. (2022). Comparative analysis of total factor productivity in China’s high-tech industries. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 175(October 2021), 121332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121332
Cheruvalath, R., & Chandrakant, S. P. (2024). Fostering meta-moral cognitive skills among pre-service teachers using creative problem-solving processes. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 54, 101670. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101670
Chiu, T. K. F., Falloon, G., Song, Y., Wong, V. W. L., Zhao, L., & Ismailov, M. (2024). A self-determination theory approach to teacher digital competence development. Computers & Education, 214, 105017. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105017
Ferdiansyah, H., Rafi, M. F., Utama, A. P., Aprilia, T., & Slamet, J. (2025). Assessing learning outcomes and self-directed learning through gamification in LMS. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 101696. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101696
Fortuna, A., Prasetya, F., Samala, A. D., Rawas, S., Criollo-C, S., Kaya, D., … Nabawi, R. A. (2025). Artificial intelligence in personalized learning: A global systematic review of current advancements and shaping future opportunities. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 102114. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.102114
Fredy, L.-D., Oscar, B., & Ana, V.-S. (2026). Pedagogical mediation with ICT for the development of critical thinking in primary education: A systematic review. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 60, 102085. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2025.102085
Garzón-Artacho, E., Sola-Martínez, T., Romero-Rodríguez, J.-M., & Gómez-García, G. (2021). Teachers’ perceptions of digital competence at the lifelong learning stage. Heliyon, 7(7), e07513. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07513
Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 275–285. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004
Hidayat, M. L., Hariyatmi, Astuti, D. S., Sumintono, B., Meccawy, M., & Khanzada, T. J. S. (2023). Digital competency mapping dataset of pre-service teachers in Indonesia. Data in Brief, 49, 109310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2023.109310
Hidayati, I. N., Berliana, C. I., & Zaman, B. (2024). Penerapan Metode Problem Based Learning dalam Meningkatkan Berfikir Kritis Pada Pembelajaran PAI. Journal of Instructional and Development Researches, 4(6), 540–550.
Hwang, G. J., Xie, H., Wah, B. W., & Gašević, D. (2020). Vision, challenges, roles and research issues of Artificial Intelligence in Education. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 1, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2020.100001
Johnson, M., & Meder, M. E. (2024). Twenty-three years of teaching economics with technology. International Review of Economics Education, 45, 100279. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iree.2023.100279
Kageyama, Y., Zamudio, S. Z., & Barton, M. (2022). Incorporation of simulation features to improve higher order thinking skills. The International Journal of Management Education, 20(2), 100628. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2022.100628
Krath, J., Schürmann, L., & von Korflesch, H. F. O. (2021). Revealing the theoretical basis of gamification: A systematic review and analysis of theory in research on gamification, serious games and game-based learning. Computers in Human Behavior, 125(January), 106963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106963
Li, K., Wang, P., & Chen, G. (2025). How can AI be integrated into teacher professional development programs? A systematic review based on an adapted technology-based learning model. Teaching and Teacher Education, 168, 105219. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2025.105219
Li, Y., Kim, M., & Palkar, J. (2022). Using emerging technologies to promote creativity in education: A systematic review. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 3(May), 100177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2022.100177
Liu, D., & Zhang, H. (2022). Improving Students’ Higher Order Thinking Skills and Achievement Using WeChat based Flipped Classroom in Higher Education. Education and Information Technologies, 27(5), 7281–7302. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-10922-y
Liu, T., & Israel, M. (2022). Uncovering students’ problem-solving processes in game-based learning environments. Computers & Education, 182, 104462. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104462
Lu, D., & Xie, Y.-N. (2024). The application of educational technology to develop problem-solving skills: A systematic review. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 51, 101454. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101454
Manzano-León, A., Camacho-Lazarraga, P., Guerrero, M. A., Guerrero-Puerta, L., Aguilar-Parra, J. M., Trigueros, R., & Alias, A. (2021). Between level up and game over: A systematic literature review of gamification in education. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042247
Marini, A., Muawanah, U., & Marfu, A. (2026). Enhancing critical thinking through problem-based learning: The role of student engagement and technology for education sustainability in Indonesia. Sustainable Futures, 11(April), 101846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2026.101846
Mathrani, A., Sarvesh, T., & Umer, R. (2022). Digital divide framework: online learning in developing countries during the COVID-19 lockdown. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 20(5), 625–640. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2021.1981253
Mazı, A., & Yıldırım, İ. O. (2025). Primary school teachers’ opinions on the use of artificial intelligence in educational practices. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101576. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101576
McCarthy, A. M., Maor, D., McConney, A., & Cavanaugh, C. (2023). Digital transformation in education: Critical components for leaders of system change. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), 100479. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100479
Mukul, E., & Büyüközkan, G. (2023). Digital transformation in education: A systematic review of education 4.0. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 194, 122664. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122664
Mustafa, F., Nguyen, H. T. M., & Gao, X. (Andy). (2024). The challenges and solutions of technology integration in rural schools: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Educational Research, 126, 102380.
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102380
Platz, L. (2022). Learning with serious games in economics education a systematic review of the effectiveness of game-based learning in upper secondary and higher education. International Journal of Educational Research, 115, 102031. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2022.102031
Promma, W., Imjai, N., Usman, B., & Aujirapongpan, S. (2025). The influence of AI literacy on complex problem-solving skills through systematic thinking skills and intuition thinking skills: An empirical study in Thai gen Z accounting students. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 8(October 2024), 100382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100382
Rahman, D. A., Prasetyo, P. D., Herawan, E., & Putri, D. P. (2024). Improving Economic Learning Outcomes Through Problem-Based Learning Using Augmented Reality Media. International Journal Of Education, Social Studies, And Management (IJESSM), 4(2), 229–243. https://doi.org/10.52121/ijessm.v4i2.236
Rasimin, Semma, A. B., Zakiyuddin, Ali, M., & Helmy, M. I. (2024). Multi-dimensional challenges in the Indonesian social science information technology-based learning: A systematic literature review. Heliyon, 10(7), e28706. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28706
Ratinho, E., & Martins, C. (2023). The role of gamified learning strategies in student’s motivation in high school and higher education: A systematic review. Heliyon, 9(8), e19033. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19033
Sikkink, B. (2025). Increasing online student engagement with a gamified logic puzzles project. International Review of Economics Education, 49, 100322. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iree.2025.100322
Subroto, D. E., Supriandi, Wirawan, R., & Rukmana, A. Y. (2023). Implementasi Teknologi dalam Pembelajaran di Era Digital: Tantangan dan Peluang bagi Dunia Pendidikan di Indonesia. Jurnal Pendidikan West Science, 1(07), 473–480. https://doi.org/10.58812/jpdws.v1i07.542
Tatik, T., Nguyen, H. T. M., & Loughland, T. (2025). Exploring factors influencing Indonesian novice teachers’ achievement of teacher professional standards during induction: A cultural-historical activity theory perspective. Teaching and Teacher Education, 159, 105013. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2025.105013
Trismaya, W., & Admoko, S. (2025). Problem Based Learning dalam Meningkatakan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis : Analisis Bibliometrik Pada Rentang Tahun 2015 – 2024 Wilujeng Trismaya Wanti dan Setyo Admoko. 14(2), 148–160.
Upadhyay, B., Brady, C., Chalil Madathil, K., Bertrand, J., McNeese, N. J., & Gramopadhye, A. (2024). Collaborative augmented reality in higher education: A systematic review of effectiveness, outcomes, and challenges. Applied Ergonomics, 121, 104360. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104360
Wang, S., Wang, F., Zhu, Z., Wang, J., Tran, T., & Du, Z. (2024). Artificial intelligence in education: A systematic literature review. Expert Systems with Applications, 252(PA), 124167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2024.124167
Zeng, J., Sun, D., Looi, C. K., & Fan, A. C. W. (2024). Exploring the impact of gamification on students’ academic performance: A comprehensive meta-analysis of studies from the year 2008 to 2023. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(6), 2478–2502. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13471
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Juwinda Lusi Apriliani, Ahmad Yusronil Wafi, Albrian Fiky Prakoso, Riza Yonisa Kurniawan

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
