The current research project aims to understand how teachers and students perceive self-directed learning on Chinese language through Moodle. The potential functions of the Learning Management System (LMS) allow students to set goals, select strategies, and evaluate learning outcomes that further facilitate their autonomy. However, how language teachers and learners view the use of the learning methods may be different. Understanding teachers’ and learners’ perceptions toward self-directed learning methods in online language learning contexts may help improve the quality of online education. Thus, this mixed-method research investigated Chinese language teachers’ and university students’ perception of self-directed learning on a dedicated Moodle site by conducting: 1) three open-ended surveys to understand the participants’ attitudes toward self-directed learning; 2) individual interviews with the participants to explore their beliefs, and 3) activity logs on Moodle to record their engagement. The affordance and implications of using Moodle to facilitate autonomy will be discussed in light of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement.