Interview Guide
Lived Experiences of Undergraduate University Students Using Online Learning in Lusaka
Researcher: Kainda Sakatengo | Student No: 2022992971 | Supervisor: Dr. J. J Folotiya | University of
Zambia, School of Humanities, Department of Psychology
This interview guide accompanies Section 3.5 of the research proposal. It is organised into seven sections:
demographic information, opening questions, four sets of core questions addressing the study's specific
objectives, and reflection and closing questions. Questions are designed to elicit rich, descriptive accounts
of participants' experiences rather than simple yes/no answers.
Participant ID: __________________ Date: __________________ Institution: __________________
Section A — Demographic Information
1. What is your age?
2. What is your gender?
3. What year of study are you in?
4. What programme/course are you studying?
5. Which university do you attend (UNZA, Chreso University, Unilus Silverest, or Unilus Leopards
Hill)?
Section B — Opening Questions
Rapport-building questions to ease participants into the conversation.
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself and what you are studying?
2. How long have you been using online learning platforms at your university?
3. Which platforms do you use most often for your studies?
Section C — Core Questions: Perceptions of Online Learning (Objective 1)
1. How do you feel about online learning in general? Can you describe your overall experience?
2. When you think about using online learning platforms, what emotions come to mind?
3. Do you feel that online learning suits your way of studying? Why or why not?
Section D — Core Questions: Benefits of Online Learning (Objective 2)
1. Can you describe a specific experience with online learning that you found positive or helpful?
What made it positive?
2. In what ways has online learning made studying more convenient or flexible for you?
Section E — Core Questions: Challenges of Online Learning (Objective 3)
1. Can you describe a specific experience that was difficult or frustrating? What happened, and how
did it affect you?
2. How has internet access, electricity, or access to devices affected your online learning experience?
3. How has online learning affected your relationship with your lecturers and fellow students?
Section F — Core Questions: Coping Strategies (Objective 4)
1. When you face challenges with online learning, what do you do to manage or cope?
2. Have you developed any strategies or routines that help you keep up with your studies online?
3. Do you rely on other students, family members, or your lecturer for support? Can you describe how
that works?
Section G — Reflection and Closing Questions
1. Looking back on your experience with online learning, what has been the most significant
challenge for you personally?
2. If you could change one thing about how online learning is delivered at your university, what would
it be?
3. Is there anything else about your online learning experience that you feel is important and that we
have not yet discussed?
Interviews will be audio-recorded (with consent) and supplemented by a researcher's reflective journal. A pilot interview will
be conducted prior to main data collection to assess clarity and flow.