Mobile Data Collection using ODK Course

Introduction

Accurate, and cost-effective data is crucial for informed decision-making, mobile-based data collection has become an essential tool for organizations across various sectors.  The Mobile Data Collection using ODK Course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to transition from traditional paper-based surveys to efficient, digital data collection using Open Data Kit (ODK), a free and open-source suite of tools widely used for field data collection.

This course introduces the fundamentals of digital survey design and the architecture of the ODK ecosystem, including tools such as ODK Collect and ODK Central. Participants will learn to create and deploy dynamic digital questionnaires using XLSForm, incorporating features such as skip logic, GPS, multimedia inputs, and multiple languages. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing data quality, reducing collection errors, and enabling real-time monitoring of field activities.

Through hands-on exercises and practical case studies, participants will gain experience in setting up mobile devices, collecting data offline and online, exporting datasets in various formats, and managing data workflows. The training also addresses key considerations around data privacy, ethical practices, and troubleshooting common field issues.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to independently design and manage mobile data collection projects using ODK tools. This course is ideal for M&E professionals, field researchers, program managers, survey supervisors, and anyone involved in gathering, managing, or analyzing field data in development, humanitarian, or research contexts.

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

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

·       Equip participants with a solid understanding of the principles and advantages of mobile-based data collection using the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform.

·       Develop practical skills in designing and structuring digital survey forms using XLSForm, including logic, constraints, GPS, multimedia, and multilingual features.

·       Train participants to install, configure, and use ODK tools such as ODK Collect and ODK Central for both online and offline data collection environments.

·       Enable effective management of field data collection workflows, including form deployment, data submission, real-time monitoring, and device synchronization.

·       Strengthen participants’ capacity to export, clean, and organize collected data for analysis using common tools like Excel, SPSS, or statistical software.

·       Promote best practices in mobile data collection, including data quality assurance, ethical data handling, privacy protection, and troubleshooting techniques.

·       Empower professionals to independently implement, supervise, and support digital survey projects in diverse development, humanitarian, or research settings.

Who should Attend?

This course is ideal for

·       Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers seeking efficient tools for survey implementation and results tracking.

·       Project and Program Managers overseeing field data collection and reporting processes.

·       Researchers and Field Data Specialists conducting surveys and assessments in various sectors.

·       Humanitarian and Development Practitioners involved in needs assessments, beneficiary registration, or impact evaluations.

·       Enumerators and Field Coordinators responsible for collecting and managing survey data using mobile devices.

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

·       Consultants and Freelancers conducting evaluations or managing field research assignments.

Course Outline

Module 1: Research Design for Mobile Data Collection

• The role and purpose of research design in field data collection
• Types of research designs: exploratory, descriptive, experimental
• Overview of the research process and data lifecycle
• Choosing appropriate data collection methods for your research
• Practical Exercise: Identify a real-world project and develop a tailored research design

Module 2: Survey Planning and Implementation

• Types of surveys: baseline, midline, endline, monitoring
• Stages of the survey process: preparation to completion
• Principles of effective survey design
• Sampling methods and techniques
• Sample size determination
• Planning logistics and team organization
• Managing fieldwork and ensuring data quality
• Practical Exercise: Create a survey plan aligned with your research design

Module 3: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection Tools

• Understanding the evolution and benefits of mobile data collection
• Types of data: qualitative, quantitative, structured, unstructured
• Overview of mobile platforms: ODK, KoBoToolbox, SurveyCTO, Ona, CommCare
• Device management and field deployment considerations
• Common challenges and data integrity risks
• Overview of question types, data types, and extended fields (GPS, images, audio, barcodes)
• Data aggregation, storage, and dissemination
• Questionnaire logic: relevance, constraints, calculations

Module 4: Digital Form Design Using Web-Based Tools

• Introduction to no-code/low-code form builders
• Creating forms using:
• ODK Build
• KoBoToolbox Form Builder
• PurcForms (if still in use)
• Best practices in web form design
• Hands-on Exercise: Build and deploy a form using a web-based tool

Module 5: Preparing Mobile Devices for Fieldwork

• Installing data collection apps: ODK Collect, KoBoCollect
• Using Google Play vs. manual installation (.apk files)
• Device configuration for secure and efficient data collection
• Uploading and managing forms on mobile devices
• Offline data collection setup
• Hands-on Exercise: Configure and test a mobile device for data collection

Module 6: Designing Forms Using XLSForm (Excel-Based Design)

• Introduction to XLSForm structure: survey, choices, settings
• Supported data types and formatting
• Adding metadata (start time, end time, device ID, etc.)
• Multiple-choice and select-multiple questions
• Multilingual forms and localization
• Hints, notes, and accessibility features
• Hands-on Exercise: Create and validate a simple XLSForm

Module 7: Advanced XLSForm Design and Logic

• Conditional branching (relevance) and dynamic question flow
• Required fields and response validation (constraints)
• Grouping and repeating question sets
• Skipping sections and controlling question visibility
• Calculations and score-based logic
• The “specify other” functionality and best practices
• Hands-on Exercise: Build a fully functional advanced XLSForm

Module 8: Hosting Forms and Managing Data on the Server

• Overview of cloud hosting platforms:
• ODK Central (modern replacement for Aggregate)
• KoBoToolbox
• Ona.io
• Formhub (legacy)
• Uploading forms to servers and assigning user roles
• Managing teams and projects on the server
• Real-time monitoring and data validation

Module 9: Data Management and Export

• Downloading and accessing collected data:
• Using ODK Central/KoBoToolbox web interfaces
• ODK Briefcase for offline backup and pull
• Exporting data in CSV, Excel, SPSS, and Stata formats
• Cleaning and preparing data for analysis
• Ensuring data integrity, backups, and ethical data handling

Module 10: Visualizing and Mapping Survey Data with GIS

• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Basics of QGIS and spatial data formats
• Importing survey data with GPS coordinates into QGIS
• Creating basic maps for reporting and analysis
• Styling, labeling, and exporting maps
• Optional: creating dashboards or integrating with Power BI/Tableau

Module 11: Data Privacy, Ethics, and Compliance

• Ethical considerations in digital data collection
• Informed consent and anonymity in mobile surveys
• Data security and encryption practices
• Compliance with GDPR and local data protection laws
• Developing data policies and protocols

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.