Research Method
This study utilized the qualitative phenomenological study. Phenomenological research design focuses on the experiences of an individual or group. It attempts to examine the qualities or essence of an experience with people who are having the experience of the phenomenon [14]. In this study, the phenomenological research design was used in examining the experiences of pre-service students enrolled in an online foreign language program and their perception of the quality of their online learning. This study used interview guide questions and observation checklists.
The participants of the study were 15 pre-service teachers who are studying English and Social studies and who are in their Third year of a four-year course in the university. The inclusion criteria of the study includes a) a pre-service student enrolled in an online course; b) willing to be part of the evaluation program of the FBICC; and c) an active participant of FBICC who has attended at least seven out of 11 sessions of the online program. Informed consent was secured prior to the interview and interview protocol was submitted to the Ethics board of the university.
In the analysis of findings, the Collaizi method was used. This method comprised of seven steps in analyzing information and gathered evidence for case study and other qualitative researches [15]. The collaizi steps were as follows: 1) the respondents’ descriptions of their experiences were recorded and noted. The transcript was reviewed several times for deeper understanding of the content; 2) significant statements were formulated from the transcript. These statements were written on different sheets; 3) those significant statements were interpreted. Each meaning was coded in one category based on description; 4) the formulated meanings are organized. The formulated meanings were grouped into categories wherein each category represented a structure of the cluster of themes; 5) the organized meanings were integrated into thorough description; 6) the essential structure of the phenomenon was formulated. In this step, a reduction of findings was done. Redundancies, misused descriptions were eliminated; and 7) Validation of study findings through triangulation of facts.
Data collection
An interview protocol was developed, reviewed by experts, and edited based on feedback. Interviews were conducted with pre-service teachers through phone and online mode since face to face interview was not allowed during the pandemic period. The interview protocol included 20 questions concerning the following topics: general knowledge of online learning, general knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia prior to the online learning; experiences in FBICC online program; perception about FBICC Online learning; Administrative Support; and their overall impression of FBICC program. Throughout the process of the interviews, probes and follow-up questions were added as needed to encourage elaboration and clarify responses. Specific questions were added as the interview process progressed in response to developing themes. All interviews were conducted by the first author immediately after each interview, verbatim transcripts were generated.
Table 1. Interview protocol