Autonomy
The experience of volition — acting from one's own values and interests, not external pressure. People perform better and stay intrinsically motivated when they feel in control of their own journey.
Self-Determination Theory (SDT)
Developed by Edward L. Deci & Richard M. Ryan
University of Rochester, 1985
→ Self-Determination Theory is a macro theory of human motivation and personality, proposing that people are most creative, engaged, and psychologically healthy when three fundamental psychological needs are met. µLearn is intentionally architected around these three pillars — not as a metaphor, but as a structural design principle.
The Three Basic
Psychological Needs
The foundation of SDTCompetence
The need to feel effective and capable in one's activities. When people receive meaningful, progressive feedback, they internalise growth rather than chase external validation.
Relatedness
The need to feel connected, valued, and to matter to others. Belonging to a community transforms isolated learning into a shared identity and sustains long-term engagement.
How µLearn is built
around SDT
Theory, structurally applied01AutonomyInterest Groups & Self-Directed Tracks
Learners choose their own domains, set their own pace, and build a portfolio around what genuinely interests them — not a prescribed syllabus. The platform never forces a path.
02AutonomyOpen Task System
Members pick up tasks from the karma system based on what they want to build, reinforcing that every action taken is a voluntary, self-chosen proof of work.
03CompetenceKarma Points & Proof of Work
Every verified contribution earns karma — a transparent, earned signal of real capability. Unlike grades, karma reflects what someone has done, not just what they know, making growth visible and concrete.
04CompetenceSkill Ranks & Progressive Challenges
The tiered level system ensures learners are consistently in the zone of proximal development — challenged enough to grow, supported enough to succeed.
05RelatednessCircles & Campus Communities
µLearn's circle structure turns individual learners into co-creators with local peers. Real belonging happens at the campus level before scaling to the national network.
06RelatednessPeer-Led Mentorship
The platform is explicitly peer-led: seniors guide juniors, and every cohort generates its own next layer of mentors — embedding relatedness into the very structure of growth.