Over the last years, various studies have concentrated on E-learning and its impact on the performance of students. This learning context has raised and guided several studies of E-learning from educational and technical perspectives. However, there is a paucity of literature review about web 4.0 research for teaching and learning. Thus, this study aims to examine the research trends on E-learning 4.0 (web 4.0 destined for learning purposes). More particularly, this literature review presents the major topics, techniques and tools identified by analyzing the research focusing on the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of things (IoT) in distance learning contexts. Implications for future research, especially during the period of the Covid 19 pandemic, are described as well.