Advances in information technology have opened exciting new avenues for how research is conducted, and data collected, with huge implications to monitoring and evaluation (M&E). One of these advances is the use of Mobile Data Collection (MDC). Instead of collecting data on paper using a pen, which is then manually entered into a database for analysis, data is input into a device which is then capable of exporting directly into a centralized database for processing and analysis.

Open Data Kit (ODK) is a suite of tools that allows data collection using Android mobile devices and data submission to an online server. Training on mobile data collection using ODK will equip the participants with skills to author, field and manage mobile data collection platform using ODK.

Target Participants

Training on mobile data collection using ODK is aimed at organizational staffs who are conducting field data collection activities.

Course Duration

Online     7 Days

Classroom-based      5 Days

What you will learn

By the end of the training the participants will be able to:

• Create survey forms using Build or XLSForms
• Set up ODK Build, Collect and Aggregate
• Upload forms to an Aggregate server
• Load forms into Collect on an Android device.
• Use ODK Collect to fill out forms with field participants.
• Upload survey data from Collect to Aggregate
• Export and Analyse data from Aggregate

Course Outline

Introduction to Mobile Data Collection

• Introduction to mobile phone data collection
• Common mobile based data collection platforms
• Data aggregation, storage, and dissemination
• Understanding question types forming a questionnaire

Introduction to Open Data Kit (ODK)

• Components of Open Data Kit (ODK)
• ODK Form
• ODK Collect Application Interface
• ODK Aggregate
• ODK Manage
• ODK platforms and formats

Setting up ODK Collect

• ODK Collect Installation from google play.
• Manual installation of OK
• ODK Collect Menus, Settings, and Security
• Best practices for ODK Collect

ODK Aggregate Server

• Setting up own aggregate server using Google App Engine
• Configuring ODK Aggregate Server
• Setting up local server
• Uploading the form to aggregate server.
• Managing forms in Aggregate
• Working with submitted data in aggregate.
• Administering aggregate

Designing and Creating forms using ODK Build

• Using ODK build
• Designing forms directly on:
  • ODK Build
  • Koboform builder
  • PurcForms
• Uploading forms to aggregate
• Form properties

Designing and Creating form using XLS form

• Introduction to XLSForm
• Components of XLSForm
• Question types
• Form Logic, styling, language
• Form operators and functions
• Constraints & Skips
• Form validation
• Uploading form to aggregate server.

Using ODK Collect for field data collection.

• Filling forms in ODK Collect
• Managing forms in ODK Collect
• Collecting different types of data
• Advanced use and best practices
• Submitting data to ODK aggregate

Data Management

• Exporting data from ODK Aggregate as CSV
• Downloading data in different formats
• Formatting data for further analysis using statistical applications.
• Outputting data through Google spreadsheet

Visualizing Geographic Data

• Exporting GPS Coordinates to Google maps
• Exporting GPS data for Mapping/Visualizing
• Visualizing GIS data using QGIS.

Training Approach

This training on mobile data collection using ODK course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals using OKD Software. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.

Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training on mobile data collection using ODK course, participants will be issued with a certificate.

Tailor-Made Course 

We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide training needs. A training needs assessment will be done on the training participants to collect data on the existing skills, knowledge gaps, training expectations and tailor-made needs.