Against the backdrop of the post-pandemic period, there is an increasing need for blended learning in modern higher education systems. Critical success factors for blended learning should be considered as key indicators of learning outcomes. Therefore, the aim is to systematically review studies that examine the critical success factors for blended learning from the perspectives of the learner, instructor, course, design, technology, and environment. Eighty-two articles were analysed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis) principles. The results show that critical success factors in these six dimensions have a positive impact on blended learning outcomes. These critical success factors are mainly learner characteristics, teacher characteristics, course materials and objectives, learning characteristics according to institutional objectives, ICT system, and learning environment. Future research could explore the impact of positive emotions on student and teacher learning outcomes in blended learning.

As an emerging technology, augmented reality has been increasingly entering the educational field. Previous studies of AR are strongly associated with scientific education but lack the mention of language learning. This study aimed to analyze the use of AR tools in language learning contexts using the bibliometric tools VOSviewer and CitNetExplorer using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This study analyzed the top ten authors, sources, countries, and organizations using VOSviewer and established citation networks using CitNetExplorer. The study found that both teachers and students showed a positive attitude toward AR tools in language learning. Games, 3D images, and videos are the main ways to instantiate virtual elements into the real world, and the most widely used tool in AR-assisted learning was HP Reveal. Moreover, the study also found that AR tools could enhance language learning by presenting an immersive learning context, increasing motivation, providing interaction, and reducing anxiety. Future research will contribute to how AR tools influence students’ learning performance and teachers’ teaching activities.