Training Course on Mobile Data Collection Using ODK (Open Data Kit)

Program Brief

This training course focuses on using Open Data Kit (ODK) for mobile data collection, providing participants with the skills to design, deploy, and manage data collection projects in the field. ODK is a powerful open-source suite of tools that enables efficient data gathering through mobile devices, making it ideal for surveys, assessments, and monitoring projects in various sectors.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of mobile data collection using ODK.
• Learn how to design effective survey forms and questionnaires for data collection.
• Gain hands-on experience in deploying ODK Collect on mobile devices.
• Analyze and manage data collected using ODK tools.

Target Audience:

• Field workers, researchers, and practitioners involved in data collection projects.
• NGOs, government agencies, and organizations focused on monitoring and evaluation.
• Data managers and analysts looking to enhance their data collection capabilities.

Duration

5 days

Course Outline:

Introduction to Mobile Data Collection and ODK:

• Overview of mobile data collection and its importance in various fields.
• Introduction to the ODK ecosystem and its components: ODK Collect, ODK Aggregate, ODK Briefcase, and ODK Central.
• Benefits of using ODK for data collection compared to traditional methods.

Setting Up the ODK Environment:

• Installing and configuring ODK tools: ODK Collect, ODK Aggregate, and ODK Central.
• Understanding the roles and functionalities of each ODK component.
• Configuring server settings for data storage and management.

Designing Data Collection Forms:

• Creating survey forms using ODK’s XLSForm format.
• Designing questionnaires with various question types (text, multiple choice, numeric, geolocation).
• Implementing logic and constraints for better data quality (skip logic, validations).
• Adding multimedia elements (images, audio) to forms for richer data collection.

Deploying and Collecting Data with ODK Collect:

• Downloading and setting up ODK Collect on Android devices.
• Synchronizing forms from the server to mobile devices.
• Conducting data collection in the field, including offline capabilities.
• Best practices for data entry and ensuring high-quality responses.

Managing Collected Data:

• Transmitting collected data from mobile devices to ODK Aggregate or ODK Central.
• Monitoring data submission and ensuring data integrity.
• Accessing and exporting collected data for analysis (CSV, XLS, JSON formats).
• Overview of data security and privacy considerations.

Data Analysis and Visualization:

• Basic data cleaning and preparation techniques for analysis.
• Using tools like Excel, R, or Python for data analysis.
• Visualizing collected data through charts, maps, and dashboards.
• Generating reports from collected data for stakeholders.

 Advanced Features and Customization:

• Customizing forms with advanced features: constraints, calculated fields, and custom appearance.
• Integrating ODK with other systems and tools (e.g., GIS, databases).
• Using ODK Briefcase for data export and backup.

Case Studies and Practical Applications:

• Reviewing case studies of successful ODK implementations in various sectors (health, agriculture, education).
• Group exercises: designing a survey and conducting a mock data collection in teams.
• Discussions on challenges faced in mobile data collection and solutions.

Final Project and Evaluation:

• Participants work on a capstone project to design and implement a mobile data collection tool using ODK.
• Presenting project results and experiences from the data collection process.
• Practical evaluation of skills in using ODK for mobile data collection.

General remarks

• Customizable courses are available to address the specific needs of your organization.
• The participant must be conversant in English
• Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of completion from Lenol Development Center.
• The course fee for onsite training includes facilitation training materials, tea break and lunch.
• Accommodation and airport pick up are made upon request
• For any inquiries reach us through info@lenoldevelopmentcenter.com or +254 710 314 746
• Payment should be made to our bank account before the start of training