There is no question that self-regulation of learning is more essential in online than in face-to-face courses. In online courses, students cannot depend on having a teacher physically there to answer their questions and keep them on track. Online students are more responsible for planning and setting goals for their work in the course. They do more self-monitoring and controlling of learning processes. They need to be able to decide if they should put in more effort, how hard they should keep trying, and whether they should seek help. Students in face-to-face classes should be exploring these issues as well, but if they aren't, teachers will likely find out and raise the issues.
