Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of humanitarian aid and development, efficient and accurate data collection is the backbone of effective programming. Mobile Data Collection using ODK (Open Data Kit) and KoboToolbox has revolutionized how organizations gather information from the field, offering robust, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions that overcome the limitations of traditional paper-based methods. These powerful open-source platforms enable real-time data capture, even in remote areas with no internet connectivity, significantly improving data quality, reducing errors, and accelerating decision-making processes. By digitizing surveys and field monitoring, organizations can enhance accountability, demonstrate impact with verifiable evidence, and respond more agilely to evolving needs. Without leveraging such cutting-edge tools, organizations risk delays, inaccuracies, and inefficiencies that can compromise their vital work and hinder their ability to deliver timely and impactful interventions. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Mobile Data Collection using ODK & KoboToolbox.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower monitoring and evaluation specialists, program managers, field teams, researchers, and data managers with the theoretical understanding and hands-on practical skills necessary to design, implement, and manage mobile data collection initiatives using ODK and KoboToolbox. Participants will gain proficiency in creating complex digital forms with skip logic, relevant conditions, and multimedia questions, deploying them to mobile devices, and securely managing collected data. The course will delve into topics such as XLSForm syntax, advanced question types, GPS integration, data quality assurance, real-time data visualization, and integrating mobile data with other analytical tools. By mastering the principles and practical applications of Mobile Data Collection using ODK & KoboToolbox, participants will be prepared to streamline their fieldwork, enhance data quality, and transform raw data into actionable insights for improved program outcomes and enhanced accountability.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers and Specialists
• Program Managers and Coordinators
• Field Data Collectors and Supervisors
• Researchers and Social Scientists
• Information Management Officers
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Public Health Practitioners
• Survey Designers
• Data Analysts (seeking data collection skills)
• Anyone involved in primary data collection for development or research.

Objectives

• Understand the principles and advantages of mobile data collection over traditional methods.
• Learn to design and build complex digital forms using XLSForm syntax for ODK and KoBoToolbox.
• Acquire skills in deploying forms to mobile devices and collecting data offline.
• Comprehend techniques for managing, cleaning, and exporting collected data from the platforms.
• Explore strategies for ensuring data quality and integrity during mobile data collection.
• Understand the importance of GPS and multimedia data capture.
• Gain insights into basic data visualization and analysis using built-in features.
• Develop a practical understanding of ethical considerations and data security in mobile data collection.
• Master advanced features like cascading selects, repeat groups, and calculations.
• Learn to troubleshoot common issues in form design and data collection.
• Acquire knowledge of user management and team collaboration in mobile data collection.
• Understand how to integrate collected data with external analysis tools.
• Learn to design forms for longitudinal data collection (if applicable in KoBoToolbox features).
• Develop best practices for training and supervising field data collection teams.
• Be able to set up and manage a complete mobile data collection workflow.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection (MDC)

• Overview of data collection challenges in fieldwork.
• Advantages of mobile data collection: efficiency, accuracy, real-time insights.
• Introduction to ODK and KoBoToolbox as leading open-source MDC platforms.
• Understanding the MDC ecosystem: form building, server, mobile app.
• Case studies showcasing successful MDC implementation in various sectors.

Module 2: Getting Started with KoBoToolbox

• Setting up a KoBoToolbox account and navigating the interface.
• Exploring the KoBoToolbox "Form Builder" (web interface).
• Creating your first basic survey form using drag-and-drop.
• Understanding common question types: text, numbers, select_one, select_multiple.
• Previewing and testing forms in the web browser (Enketo).

Module 3: Introduction to XLSForm Syntax (for ODK & KoBoToolbox)

• Understanding the structure of an XLSForm: survey, choices, settings sheets.
• Basic column types: type, name, label.
• Using Excel/Google Sheets for efficient form design.
• Converting XLSForm to XML for deployment.
• Common errors and troubleshooting in basic XLSForm.

Module 4: Essential Form Design Features

• Required questions: ensuring critical data is captured.
• Constraints: setting rules for valid input (e.g., age range, number limits).
• Skip logic (relevance): showing/hiding questions based on previous answers.
• Grouping questions: organizing forms for clarity and flow.
• Notes: providing instructions or additional information to enumerators.

Module 5: Advanced Form Design with XLSForm

• Cascading Selects: creating dependent dropdown lists (e.g., region > district > village).
• Repeat Groups: collecting data for multiple similar entries (e.g., household members, crops).
• Calculations: performing calculations within the form (e.g., age from DOB, scores).
• Default values: pre-filling answers or current dates/times.
• Hints: providing guidance to enumerators within the form.

Module 6: Multimedia and GPS Data Capture

• Integrating image capture into forms for visual evidence.
• Recording audio and video clips in surveys.
• Capturing GPS coordinates for mapping and location tracking.
• Understanding different GPS accuracy settings.
• Best practices for media file sizes and quality.

Module 7: Data Collection using KoBoCollect / ODK Collect App

• Installing and configuring the mobile data collection app on Android devices.
• Downloading forms to mobile devices for offline use.
• Navigating and filling out forms in the field.
• Managing saved forms (drafts, sent forms).
• Synchronizing collected data to the server when internet is available.

Module 8: Data Management on KoBoToolbox Server

• Viewing submitted data in table format.
• Editing individual submissions for data cleaning.
• Managing submissions: validating, flagging, deleting.
• Monitoring data collection progress in real-time.
• Understanding data storage and security on the server.

Module 9: Data Export and Integration

• Exporting data in various formats: Excel, CSV, SPSS, KML.
• Understanding different export options and settings.
• Preparing data for analysis in statistical software.
• Introduction to KoBoToolbox API for advanced integration (conceptual).
• Using data for basic mapping with GIS tools (e.g., exporting KML to Google Earth).

Module 10: Data Quality Assurance and Validation

• Strategies for minimizing data entry errors at the source.
• Implementing form validation rules (constraints, relevance).
• Techniques for identifying and correcting errors post-collection.
• Developing a data quality assurance protocol for field teams.
• The importance of regular data review and feedback loops.

Module 11: Advanced Features: External Data & Metadata

• Using external data files (CSV) for large select lists or pre-loading information.
• Understanding metadata fields captured automatically by the app (e.g., device ID, start/end time).
• Customizing metadata collection.
• Using metadata for monitoring and quality control.
• Leveraging metadata for deeper analysis of field operations.

Module 12: User Management and Collaboration

• Setting up user accounts with different roles and permissions in KoBoToolbox.
• Assigning forms to specific data collection teams.
• Monitoring individual enumerator performance.
• Strategies for team coordination and communication during fieldwork.
• Collaborative form design and sharing.

Module 13: Introduction to Data Visualization and Dashboards (KoBoToolbox)

• Utilizing KoBoToolbox's built-in reporting features.
• Creating basic charts and graphs from collected data.
• Designing simple dashboards to visualize key indicators.
• Sharing reports and dashboards with stakeholders.
• Limitations of built-in visualization and when to use external tools.

Module 14: Training and Supervising Field Teams

• Best practices for training enumerators on mobile data collection tools.
• Developing effective training materials and exercises.
• Strategies for supervising and motivating field teams.
• Troubleshooting common field challenges (technical, logistical, ethical).
• Ensuring enumerator safety and well-being.

Module 15: Maintaining and Scaling MDC Systems & Ethical Considerations

• Updating forms and deploying new versions during a project.
• Backing up and archiving data securely.
• Planning for long-term data management and sustainability.
• Ethical considerations: informed consent, data privacy, data security.
• Adapting MDC strategies for different contexts and evolving needs.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.