I ran into this link while researching online learning. It's a great presentation by Philip C. Candy I found on the Events in Oxford page. It speaks to my "self-directed" view of 'net-based learning:

Putting the 'learning' back into eLearning
Kellogg Seminar, 24 April 2002
Prof. Philip C. Candy's talk is available as a PowerPoint presentation.

Abstract: Self-directed adult learners attempt to navigate in an
information landscape without landmarks, and to make sense of (and impose order on) the profusion of stimuli they encounter in cyberspace. This presentation develops a model for designing software and creating structures to support lifelong learning through formal, non-formal and informal means.