Toward Autonomous Learning: Exploring the Impact of Participating in an Online Second Language Learning Course

Abstract

As online education programs increase their numbers, autonomous learning becomes more necessary to achieve academic success. The present research determines the impact that participating in an online course has on students’ language learner autonomy. To quantify this impact the Measuring Instrument for Language Learner Autonomy was applied in the second and last week of the course. By means of a paired samples t-test, it was confirmed that the students participating in the course increased their language learner autonomy. Additionally, the specific behaviors that changed were revealed to be associated with self-regulated learning. Therefore, it can be asserted that participation in the online learning course led to an increase of the level of autonomy of the students by means of increasing the frequency of behaviors related to taking charge of their own learning process.