Mobile Data Collection for development workers using ODK and Kobo Toolbox Course


INTRODUCTION

ODK or Open Data Kit is a set of free and open-source tools that are used for field data collection using Android mobile phones and tablets and allows data submission to a local self-hosted server or an online cloud-based server.

The ODK – Open Data Kit ecosystem comprises the following components:

  1. ODK Collect – An open-source Android app that is used to collect data on android mobile phones and tablets.
  2. ODK Build – A form designer with a drag-and-drop user interface.
  3. XLSForm – A standard for building forms in Excel.
  4. ODK Aggregate – An open-source application that stores, analyzes, and presents survey data collected using ODK Collect.
  5. ODK Central – This is the ODK server.
  6. ODK Cloud – A fully-managed and fully-supported cloud infrastructure for hosting the ODK Central server.
  7. Enketo Forms – Enables preview and submission of forms directly from a web browser.

Other tools in the ODK ecosystem include ODK Briefcase, ODK Aggregate VM, ODK XLSForm Converter, ODK Validate, GEOODK, ODK Scanner, ODK Printers, and the ODK Sensor Framework.

There are other tools that were inspired by the ODK ecosystem including but not limited to KoBoToolbox which is also free and open-source.

Others include Ona.io, Hoji, and Survey CTO. These have a free trial period as well as a premium version with added functionalities and unlimited survey data storage capacity.

Other commonly used mobile data collection tools include CSPro for android (CS Entry), Magpi (Regular data collection and also supports SMS data Collection), fulcrum, mobenzi, visitbasis, dimagi, zapier amongst many others.

This training course will focus mainly on how to set up, manage and administer a mobile data collection platform using ODK.

If you have always wanted to learn how to collect, manage, visualize and analyze project field data using mobile phones, this course is for you.

Tools To Be Covered

  1. ODK Collect
  2. XLSForms
  3. ODK Central
  4. ODK Cloud
  5. Enketo Forms
  6. ODK Build
  7. ODK aggregate
  8. ODK Validate
  9. ODK Briefcase

DURATION
5 Days

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This training course is suitable for individuals and organizations who are interested in learning how to set up, manage and administer a mobile data collection platform using ODK.

Course Objectives

At the end of the course, participants will be able to design, setup and administer a mobile data collection platform using ODK.

  1. Create survey forms using ODK Build and XLSForms.
  2. Install ODK Collect and configure mobile phones for data collection.
  3. Collect data in the field using mobile phones and upload the data to an online server.
  4. Collect data on a web browser
  5. Setup and install ODK Central on Digital Ocean
  6. Use ODK Cloud to host ODK Central
  7. Visualize and analyze data online
  8. Use ODK’s OData feed to build live-updating dashboards in Power BI and Excel
  9. Download submission using R and Python
  10. Apply best practices in mobile data collection

Course Outline

Module I

  • ICT Refresher
  • Introduction to Mobile Data Collection (MDC)
  • Benefits of Mobile Data Collection (MDC)
  • Challenges facing Mobile Data Collection and their workaround
  • Introduction to the ODK ecosystem
  • Introduction to basic ODK XLSForm syntax for survey authoring

Module II

Getting started – Survey authoring using ODK XLSForm

  • Types of questions
  • Data types for each question
  • Types of questionnaires and Form logic
  • Extended data types geoid, image, and multimedia

Form Validation in ODK

  • Troubleshooting common XLSForms syntax errors

Mobile phones and tablets configuration

  • Introduction to ODK Collect
  • ODK Collect installation and configuration

Hosting survey data – ODK Central

  • Introduction to ODK Cloud
  • Introduction to Digital Ocean Cloud
  • Introduction to ODK Central
  • ODK Central – Download and setup on Digital Ocean
  • ODK Central on ODK Cloud
  • ODK Central administration
  • Data analysis in ODK Central
  • Downloading survey data from a web interface

Module III

Intermediate Survey Authoring for ODK

  • New data types
  • Notes and dates
  • Multiple-choice Questions
  • Multiple Language Support
  • Hints, metadata, and more
  • Conditional Survey Branching
  • Required questions
  • Constraining responses
  • Skip: Asking Relevant questions
  • The specify (other)
  • Grouping questions.
  • Skipping many questions at once (Skipping a section)

Module IV

Advanced Survey Authoring for ODK

  • Repeating a set of questions
  • Special formatting
  • Making dynamic calculations
  • Survey Styling and formatting – Working with the appearance column
  • Working with media files
  • Cascading select
  • External selects
  • Conducting Longitudinal surveys

Hands-on Exercises

Module V

Form Design using web platforms

  • ODK Build

Accessing Survey Data Submissions

  • Use ODK OData feed to build live-updating dashboards in Power BI and Excel
  • Download submission using R and Python

Enroll for this Course

We are proud to offer this course in a variety of training formats to suit your needs.

IRES

Enroll for In-Person (Face to Face) Class

We use the highest quality learning facilities to make sure your experience is as comfortable as possible.

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IRES

Enroll for a Virtual Zoom Class

Join a scheduled class with a live instructor and other delegates.

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IRES

Enroll for Online Self-paced Class

Keep track of your own progression throughout your course and ensure continuous improvement.

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Benefits of Taking a Course at IRES

LEARN

Our courses are carefully curated to keep you abreast of latest industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices. We employ a variety of teaching methodologies, including hands-on workshops, case studies, and interactive sessions, all aimed at fostering an engaging and effective learning environment. Our expert instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, providing our clients with insights that can be immediately applied in their professional lives.

NETWORK

Our courses serve as a vibrant platform for professionals to connect and engage with a diverse community of peers, industry leaders, and experts. By participating in our programs, you gain access to an invaluable network that spans across various sectors and geographical boundaries. This networking aspect is not just about forming professional relationships; it's about creating a supportive ecosystem where ideas, opportunities, and collaborations can flourish.

GROW

Our courses are designed to challenge and inspire professionals to step out of their comfort zones and explore new horizons. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, our programs help professionals refine their existing skills and acquire new ones, making them more versatile and competitive.

FAQs & Course Administration Details:

This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our IRES Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Phone: +254 715 077 817 or Email: [email protected].
The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprise of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields. All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English. The participants should be reasonably proficient in English.
Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with an Indepth Research Institute (IRES) certificate certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
Payment should be transferred to IRES account through bank on or before start of the course. Send proof of payment to [email protected].
Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training Officer. Email: [email protected] Phone: +254 715 077 817.

Who else has taken this course?


# Job Title Organisation Country
1 Wiseman Ltd Kenya
2 STATISTICIAN Agriculture and Food Authority Kenya
3 M&E Officer UNDP Afghanistan
4 Statistician Parliament of Uganda Uganda