The purpose of this study is first, to examine the structural relationship of the major
variables: Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) skills, cognitive presence, science process skills, and
science learning achievement; and second, their causal relationships when Web-based, Inquiry
Science Environment (WISE) is used. The study took place over eight weeks through an
elementary school’s science classes. In total, 108 student survey responses were analyzed. The
results indicate that a structural equation model showing SRL skills affecting cognitive presence,
cognitive presence affecting science process skills, and science process skills affecting science
learning achievement seems to be the most appropriate. Specifically, in WISE, where learners
are expected to solve a complicated problem by themselves, SRL skills may predict their
cognitive presence; and the learners’ cognitive presence may predict their science process skills
that in turn may predict the results of their science learning achievement tests. Accordingly, this
study suggests that the first variable influencing science learning achievement should be SRL
skills, and that certain strategies and approaches to maximize learners’ SRL skills should be
considered in order to design and develop the most effective web-based inquiry science lessons.
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