Inge de Waard is a MOOC researcher with an interest in mobile online learning.  Here is the abstract of her research study.  PSA wishes Inge de Waard success in better understanding how learners set out their path on online courses. 

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This qualitative research study reports the self directed learning of MOOC participants by analyzing self-reported learning logs and interview transcripts. The data analysis takes a bottom-up approach where learner data is coded as to leave insights to emerge from the data.  

The research focused on understanding how learners set out their path on online courses such as MOOCs.  Since learning in MOOCs is done by adults, the concepts of adult learning as researched by Knowles are of interest. Knowles promoted the concept of andragogy for adult learning and he defined self directed learning as: the process in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning choosing and implementing learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes.