The main purpose of this research is to clarify the relationship between adult students' self - directed learning (SDL) ability and instructional technology (IT) competency. The research involves surveying 199 students who take online courses in a large Midwest state university. Preliminary results indicate a considerable positive correlation between SDL and level of IT competency in the students, with above average SDL ability. These students also utilize cognitive and metacognitive strategies for learning IT. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)