Mobile Phone Based Data Collection Using ODK Course

Course Overview

Welcome to the "Mobile Data Collection Using Open Data Kit (ODK)" course. This training is designed to empower you with the skills needed to conduct efficient and effective data collection using mobile devices. Leveraging the power of ODK tools, you'll learn how to collect, manage, and analyze data directly on Android devices, streamlining your research and evaluation processes. This course covers everything from the basics of mobile data collection to advanced data management techniques. Are you ready to revolutionize your data collection methods with mobile technology?

Target Audience

This course is perfect for:

• Organizational Staff and Field Researchers : Those involved in data collection activities seeking to optimize their processes.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Professionals : Professionals aiming to improve data accuracy and efficiency.
• Anyone Interested in Mobile Data Collection : Especially those working in environments where offline data collection is crucial.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will:

• Understand the advantages and applications of mobile data collection.
• Learn to use ODK tools for authoring, managing, and deploying data collection forms.
• Gain proficiency in setting up and managing ODK Aggregate servers.
• Master the use of ODK Collect for efficient field data collection.
• Develop skills in data management, visualization, and exportation.

Course Outline

Introduction to Mobile Data Collection

• Benefits and Applications: Explore the impact of mobile data collection on research and M&E.
• Overview of Mobile Platforms: Get to know common mobile-based data collection platforms.
• Questionnaire Design: Understand question types and their role in formulating questionnaires.

Introduction to Open Data Kit (ODK)

• ODK Components: Learn about ODK Form, Collect, Aggregate, and Manage.
• Platform and Format Overview: Familiarize yourself with ODK platforms and data formats.

Setting up ODK Collect

• Installation and Setup: Install ODK Collect from Google Play and configure settings.
• Best Practices: Learn security measures and best practices for using ODK Collect.

ODK Aggregate Server

• Server Setup: Configure your own aggregate server using Google App Engine.
• Form Management: Manage and administer forms and submitted data in Aggregate.

Designing and Creating Forms

• ODK Build and XLSForm: Use ODK Build and XLSForm for form creation, including logic and constraints.
• Form Uploading: Upload forms to the aggregate server for data collection.

Using ODK Collect for Field Data Collection

• Form Filling and Management: Efficiently fill and manage forms using ODK Collect.
• Data Submission: Submit collected data to ODK Aggregate.

Data Management

• Data Export: Export data as CSV and format it for analysis using tools like Google Spreadsheets.
• GIS Data Visualization: Export GPS data to Google Maps and visualize using QGIS.