Although a relative abundance of studies are published about technology and its potentials in education, there is a marked lack of evidence-based research perspectives depicting what-learners-actually-do in ICT-rich environments. This study examined Indonesian university students' use of ICTs in their independent learning endeavors. It was designed as a multiple case study with two phases, survey and interviews. The data revealed that the students pursued mixed experiences and feelings, both optimistic and distracted when collecting information online. While they enjoyed easy access to information, they felt overwhelmed with irrelevant activities that they called unconstructive learning. Self-regulation became the key success to their learning. Those who could control their exploration would gain maximum results.