In the present paper, we report our study on attitude, motivation
and preferences of online learners in two open universities in India. We have investigated, on a sample of 272 online learners, areas such as difficulties faced in web-based learning, and the preferences for plalforms, support structure, mode of interaction, and pedagogic and technological ingredients for successful online self-learning. The findings show that the online learners preferred web-based learning supported by printed self-learning materials, and some form of online and/or f2f interaction. The other support structures included email facility with instructor and peers, interactive materials on CDROM, and web-based materials. The preferred web-based components included images, video clips, animation, audio and hyperlinks. The preferred modes of interaction were suggested to include discussion groups, online assignment and feedback, voice-based online chatting and online mentoring support.