The digital learning task in condition 1 (with autonomy support and structure) provided
options and structural guidance (Fig. 1). In terms of autonomy support, students had
control over the content (i.e. the student could select an advertisement for him/herself),
online sources (i.e. the student could search for information on websites of their own
choice), and computer program (i.e. the student could choose to complete the task in Word
or PowerPoint). An explanation was given about the relevance of the task to their learning.
The autonomy-supportive task was also characterized by language that was non-directive
and encouraged initiative (i.e. ‘‘You can make use of …,’’ and ‘‘You can do this task.’’). In
terms of structure, students were given information to support their achievement of the
learning goals, such as a roadmap of the stages required to complete the task successfully.
Additionally, there was clarity regarding the way in which the finished product would be
assessed. Lastly, the task with structure also provided clear procedures so that the students
knew how long they were allowed to work on the task and what they could do when they
had finished their work.