This research, begun in Fall 1991, explored the learning-to-learn strategies of adult students taking computer conferencing courses for college credit. It investigated how these students define effective learning and how they direct their own learning and lifestyles to meet the unique demands of this medium. This research gathered data through unstructured interviews and participant observations, selecting participants through purposeful sampling. It used symbolic interaction as the theoretical approach for data reporting and interpretation. This study not only revealed important aspects of adult learning in the distance education experience and shows effective learning strategies these students employ, but has practical application for instructing learning-how-to-learn with computer conferencing. Discussions of the findings cover (1) making learning effective, i.e., achieving learning success and using one's learning style; (2) general learning approaches, including study patterns, working with others, and personal approaches to learning; (3) online strategies, including overcoming the technological hurdle, processing online information, and dealing with online characteristics; and (4) using off-line resources. Related literature on learning how to learn and computer conferencing is briefly reviewed, and discussions of the conclusions, implications, and significance of the study conclude the report. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/ALF)