About Course

Training on Mobile Data Collection Using ODK

Overview

The Expedition

Program Background

This course offers a practical introduction to mobile data collection ODK tools used in field research and monitoring work. Participants learn how to create survey forms, deploy them to an Aggregate server and collect responses using Android devices.

It covers the full workflow from designing forms to uploading and exporting data. The training is available both in-person and online. Participants receive a certificate upon successful completion.

Program Objectives

By the end of the training the participants will be able to:

Create survey forms using Build or XLSForms
Upload forms to an Aggregate server
Load forms into Collect on an Android device
Fill out forms with participants using Collect
Upload survey data from Collect to Aggregate
Analyse or export data in Aggregate

Target Audience

Training on mobile data collection using ODK is aimed at organizational staffs who are conducting field data collection activities.

Training Period

Classroom: 5 Days
Online: 7 Days

Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection

Introduction to collection of mobile data.
Platforms for collection of mobile data.
Advantages of mobile applications.
Challenges.
Aggregation, storage, and dissemination of data.
Types of questions in a questionnaire.

Module 2: Introduction to Open Data Kit (ODK).

Module 3: Designing and Creating Forms Using ODK Build.

Creating ODK collect forms.
Downloading forms.
Using Excel to create ODK data collect form.
Creating and publishing forms to aggregate or XML.
Designing forms directly on:
ODK Build.
Koboform builder.
PurcForms

Module 4: Creating and Designing XLS Form.

Introduction to XLS forms syntax.
Manually creating XLS forms.
Constraints and skips.
Form validation.

Module 5: ODK Collect.

Installation and setup of ODK collect.
Menus. settings and security of ODK collect.
Form management in collect.
ODK collect best practices.

Module 6: ODK Aggregate Server.

Using Google App Engine to set up own aggregate server.
ODK aggregate server configuration.
Creating a server.
Uploading the form to aggregate server.
Submission of completed data to aggregate server.
Exporting data from ODK aggregate server.
Importing ODK – CSV file into statistical applications.

Module 7: Visualizing Geographic Data.

Direct download of data from aggregate.
Outputting data through:
Google Spreadsheet.
Google Fusion Tables.
GPS coordinates (Google maps) exportation to Fusion Tables.
GPS data exportation for Mapping/Visualizing (Fusion Map).
Data exportation to Fusion Tables using QGIS

Delivery Method

This program is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group work and case studies. Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.