Mobile Data Collection using ODK and KoboToolBox Course

Introduction

The Mobile Data Collection using ODK and KoBoToolbox Course is designed to equip participants with the skills and tools needed to transition from traditional paper-based surveys to streamlined digital data collection processes. By leveraging the power of Open Data Kit (ODK) and KoBoToolbox two widely used, open-source platforms participants will gain practical knowledge in designing, deploying, and managing digital surveys for a wide range of applications.

This course introduces the core principles of mobile data collection and its advantages in terms of accuracy, speed, cost-effectiveness, and real-time monitoring. Participants will learn how to create dynamic, logic-driven digital forms using XLSForm, and how to deploy these forms through ODK Collect or KoBoCollect on mobile devices for offline and online data collection. Emphasis is placed on ensuring data quality through proper form design, enumerator training, and systematic management of data submissions.

In addition to form development and data collection, the course covers key aspects of data management, including form deployment, real-time monitoring, exporting and cleaning data, and preparing it for analysis. Participants will explore the practical use of KoBoToolbox’s web-based interface and ODK’s powerful tools to manage survey workflows, coordinate field teams, and ensure high-quality results.

By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence and technical ability to plan and implement mobile data collection projects from start to finish. This training is ideal for monitoring and evaluation professionals, researchers, program managers, humanitarian workers, and anyone involved in gathering and managing field data in development, public health, education, disaster response, or other applied sectors.

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

By the end of this course the learners should be able to:

·       Introduce participants to the fundamentals and advantages of mobile-based data collection using ODK and KoBoToolbox.

·       Build capacity in designing dynamic and logic-driven digital survey forms using XLSForm, incorporating skip logic, constraints, GPS, multimedia, and multilingual features.

·       Provide hands-on experience in deploying digital forms and configuring mobile applications such as ODK Collect and KoBoCollect for both offline and online environments.

·       Enable effective management of data collection workflows, including form deployment, user access, device configuration, and real-time monitoring.

·       Strengthen skills in exporting, cleaning, and preparing data for analysis in tools such as Excel, SPSS, and GIS platforms.

·       Promote best practices in digital data quality control, ethical standards, privacy, and security.

·       Empower professionals to implement efficient, scalable mobile data collection systems that support decision-making across development, research, and humanitarian sectors.

Who should Attend?

This course is ideal for

·       Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers involved in designing surveys and tracking project indicators.

·       Project and Program Managers who oversee field data collection and reporting processes.

·       Researchers and Academicians conducting field studies, assessments, or baseline surveys.

·       Data Analysts and Statisticians responsible for processing and analyzing field data.

·       Humanitarian and Development Practitioners working in health, education, agriculture, WASH, disaster response, and related sectors.

·       Field Coordinators and Enumerators collecting data in remote or offline environments.

·       ICT and Data Management Staff supporting the deployment and maintenance of digital data collection systems.

·       Consultants and Freelancers managing evaluation assignments or digital survey projects.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection

• Overview of mobile data collection and its benefits
• Challenges of traditional data collection methods
• Key concepts in digital survey design and implementation
• Real-world applications in development, humanitarian, and research settings
• Comparison of ODK and KoBoToolbox platforms

Module 2: Understanding the ODK and KoBoToolbox Ecosystems

• Components of ODK: ODK Collect, ODK Central, ODK Aggregate
• Components of KoBoToolbox: KoBoCollect, Enketo, KoBoToolbox Server
• Data flow and system architecture overview
• Setting up and accessing KoBoToolbox and ODK environments

Module 3: Designing Digital Forms with XLSForm

• Introduction to XLSForm structure: survey, choices, settings
• Creating basic and advanced question types
• Using skip logic, relevance conditions, constraints, and calculations
• Adding GPS, media files (photos, audio), and barcode scanning
• Developing multilingual and repeatable forms
• Testing and validating forms before deployment

Module 4: Building Forms with KoBoToolbox Form Builder

• Using KoBoToolbox’s web-based form builder
• Uploading and managing XLSForms on the platform
• Editing form structure and content online
• Managing metadata and submission settings
• Previewing and troubleshooting form logic

Module 5: Setting Up and Using KoBoCollect/ODK Collect

• Installing KoBoCollect or ODK Collect on Android devices
• Configuring connections with KoBoToolbox or ODK Central
• Downloading forms and collecting data offline and online
• Managing completed forms and submissions
• Device management, syncing, and troubleshooting

Module 6: Data Management and Monitoring

• Real-time monitoring of submissions on the server
• Reviewing, editing, and validating incoming data
• Exporting data in various formats (CSV, Excel, SPSS, Stata)
• Basic data cleaning and preparation for analysis
• Linking data to dashboards and external analysis tools

Module 7: Ethical Practices and Data Security

• Informed consent and privacy considerations
• Data security and access control measures
• Responsible data sharing and storage protocols
• Ethical considerations in remote and vulnerable communities

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: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill 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 Upskill 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: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.