By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and benefits of mobile data collection using ODK and KoBoToolBox
• Build/design forms (digitize questionnaires) in ODK Build and in Microsoft Excel (XLSForm syntax)/Spreadsheet
• Configure and deploy data collection projects using ODK Collect on mobile devices.
• Collect data offline using mobile devices and ODK Collect
• Manage and analyze collected data using KoBoToolBox’s features and functionalities
• Generate reports and visualizations based on collected data using KoBoToolBox
• Ensure data security and privacy throughout the data collection and management process.

Introduction to Mobile Data Collection with ODK

• Overview of mobile data collection concepts
• Benefits of Mobile Data Collection (MDC)
• Challenges facing Mobile Data Collection and Solutions
• Introduction to ODK and its components
• Setting up the ODK ecosystem (ODK Build, ODK Collect)

Designing Data Collection Forms with ODK Build

• Understanding ODK Build’s form design interface
• Creating data collection forms using ODK Build
• Worksheets explained
• Question types, skip logic, and constraints
• Extended data types geoid, image, and multimedia
• Referencing, relevance and grouping questions
• Form Validation and Conversion for ODK
• Converting XLSForm to xml forms using ODK xlsform (Online and Offline).
• ODK Validate for validating XML forms
• Troubleshooting common syntax errors

Device Calibration (Mobile Phones/Tablets) – ODK Collect

• Introduction to ODK Collect
• ODK Collect installation and configuration
• Uploading forms into ODK Collect manually
• Downloading form into ODK Collect from ODK Aggregate Server
• Hands-on Exercise
• Offline Data Collection with ODK Collect
• Offline data collection capabilities of ODK Collect
• Setting up and synchronizing data on mobile devices
• Troubleshooting offline data collection issues

Data Management with KoboToolbox

• Introduction to KoboToolbox for data management
• Uploading and managing data in KoboToolbox
• Downloading Data
  • Manual Download (ODF Briefcase)
  • Using the Online Server Interface
• Data organization, filtering, and search functionalities
• Analyzing data using KoboToolbox’s analysis features
• Generating reports and visualizations in KoboToolbox
• Customizing reports and visualizations in KoboToolbox
• Exporting data for External Analysis

Data Security and Privacy

• Ensuring data security during data collection and transfer
• Implementing access controls and user permissions in KoboToolbox
• Privacy considerations and data anonymization techniques
• Advanced Features and Customization
• Advanced form design techniques in ODK Build
• Customizing data collection workflows and interfaces
• Incorporating complex calculations and data validations

This course is designed for project staff, researchers, evaluation practitioners, and organizations that wish to digitize their data collection processes. These may include, but not limited to the following individuals and professional:

• Project Managers and Staffs: Those responsible for managing data collection projects and data analysis in their organizations.
• Researchers and Data Analysts: Professionals involved in data collection, analysis, and reporting, seeking efficient and standardized methods for data management.
• Field Data Collectors: Individuals involved in collecting data in the field using mobile devices.
• Development Practitioners: Professionals working in the fields of international development, humanitarian aid, socio-economic and health interventions, relying on accurate and timely data.

The Mobile Data Collection and Management Using Open Data Kit (ODK) training Course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course employs a mix of methodologies including presentations, group exercises, case studies, and much more. Group work is an essential component of the course. The course is designed to be primarily workshop-based, in which participants can work through tasks and problems that mimic their daily activities. Instructors are there to facilitate the group work, addressing real-world concerns.

At Virgon Africa, we believe in experiential learning. We value active participation in our courses through sharing experiences, ideas and practices.