This three-year project is proposed to be the first stage of a grand proposal for a learner-centered, self-directed e-learning platform. This three-year research project aims at constructing a self-directed e-learning platform that encompasses learning packages as well as serving as a foundation to build up a well-formed e-learning platform. The goal for subproject I is to construct an e-learning platform to support modules from subproject II, III, and IV. Each subproject (subproject II, III, and IV) is proposed to include at least one significant concept or idea of the respect subject area where initial assessment of ability, diverse learning lessons, and assessment after learning modules are included. Our major objective for the research project is to investigate learners' ability in the digital learning environment, their different responses to scaffolding designs, and different responses to learning materials. Three experiments will be conducted to investigate the effects of learning material designs and scaffolding designs on learners' motivation, grit, and self-directed learning. The goal for the first stage is to develop an adaptive e-learning platform and its contents that can put into practice. The work of the first stage will be the foundation for the next two stages, and be a practical resource for teaching. This e-platform can also be a research tool to investigate self-directed learning and e-learning research questions. We also expected that this e-platform can be a resource for developing self-directed learning and teaching quality in resource deprived areas.
