| Summary: | Literature on self-directed language learning has only begun to explore the potential of
the Internet for language acquisition. This diary case study involved the researcher-as-participant
in self-directed learning of Spanish as a Second Language, over a period of
3.5 months. Only freely available Internet-based resources and communication tools
were used to acquire Spanish language skills. Multiple pretest and posttest scores were
recorded for all of the language skills, as well as observations of language learning
strategies, motivation, and the use of multimedia in this language learning context. The
results indicate that motivation was positively affected by the degree to which the learner
had access to authentic language communities, through the use of authentic materials and
communication tools. It was also found that self-directed learning in this environment
required a high degree of metacognitive strategies, which at times had a negative effect
on the learning process. Qualitative and quantitative measurements indicated that there
was a significant increase in listening comprehension ability, as a result of reliable and
consistent access to authentic online radio and television. The researcher suggests that
Internet-based learning might be appropriate to autonomous learners who require access
to authentic communities and materials in order to learn effectively.
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