This study investigates the causal relationships among flow experience, self-directed learning readiness, internet addiction and academic achievement in web-based computer education. The gender differences in path models were also examined. The results indicated that, self-directed learning readiness has positive and direct influence on flow experience and academic achievement. And self-directed learning readiness has a negative and direct influence on internet addiction. For female students, academic achievement was positively and directly influenced by flow experience and indirectly by self-directed learning readiness. However, the mediating effect of flow experience and indirect effect of self-directed learning readiness were not significant for male students.