So, self-directed learning is not ideal for people who are high on anxiety. Similarly, people who are high on extroversion tend to be less successful in self-directed learning because their gregarious nature requires them to be in a group and interact with other kinds of people. So, this solitary kind of learning may not be very acceptable for them. These studies performed by different researchers have established a firm connection between personality and self-directed learning. Other than these personality traits, a self-directed learner must also have the ability to self-assess their performance and make changes to it as and when needed. "Self-directed learners demonstrate a commitment to change by building critique and assessment into their everyday actions. By reexamining and clarifying various aspects of the values, purposes, goals, strategies and outcomes, they continue to learn and develop an even more positive disposition toward continued learning." Costa and Callick (2004;p.7). This self-assessment and the constant urge to improve are important attributes that will help self-learners to be more successful.

Besides the individual traits, the environment is also very important. The traditional forms of study are being slowly replaced by the Internet, that has transformed life in every sense.

Internet

The second factor that can affect self-directed learning is the environment in which the learning occurs. In today's high-paced technological...

There are many advantages of using the Internet as a medium of learning. The first is the availability of information. One can find answers to pretty much any question on the Internet. This vast amount of information makes it easier for self-directed learners to expand their knowledge.
The second advantage is connectivity with people. A self-directed learner can clarify doubts with a subject matter expert, irrespective of his or her physical location. Also, they can take the help of independent people like teachers to evaluate their learning.

The final reason is the flexibility and convenience that comes with the Internet. One can do a self-study, right from the comfort of one's home without the need to venture to a physical place to learn.

In short, self-directed learning is becoming more and more common among people and Internet is used as the primary medium of instruction today.

References

de Bruin. K. (2007). The relationship between personality traits and self-directed learning readiness in higher education students. Outh African Journal of Higher Education. 21(2). pp 228-240.

McCrae, R.R. And P.T. Costa. 1995. Trait explanations in personality psychology. European Journal of Personality 9:231-252.

Costa, Arthur.L; Kallick, Bena. (2004). Assessment strategies for self-directed learning. California: Corwin Press.