Introduction

This course equips participants with practical skills to design, deploy, and manage mobile data collection systems using Open Data Kit (ODK). It focuses on creating robust digital forms, managing field data collection, ensuring data quality, and handling secure data workflows for humanitarian, development, research, and government projects.

Participants will gain hands-on experience using ODK Collect, ODK Central, and XLSForm, enabling them to transition from paper-based surveys to efficient, accurate, and real-time digital data collection systems.

Learning Objectives

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

1. Understand the ODK ecosystem and its applications
2. Design and deploy digital data collection forms using XLSForm
3. Configure mobile devices for offline and online data collection
4. Implement data quality assurance and validation controls
5. Manage, export, and integrate ODK data for analysis and reporting
6. Apply data protection and donor compliance standards

Important Dates
Classroom Training Calendar

Online Training Calendar

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection & ODK

• Overview of mobile data collection systems
• Introduction to ODK tools (ODK Central, ODK Collect, XLSForm)
• Advantages of digital data collection over paper-based methods
• Setting up ODK Central and project configuration
• Practical session: creating an ODK project

Day 2: Digital Form Design Using XLSForm

• Structure of XLSForm (survey, choices, settings)
• Question types and response formats
• Skip logic, relevance, and constraints
• Required fields and data validation rules
• Practical session: building and testing ODK forms

Day 3: Field Data Collection & Data Quality Assurance

• Mobile device configuration and user management
• Offline data collection and synchronization
• GPS capture, media attachments, and timestamps
• Data quality checks and error prevention
• Practical session: field simulation and data submission

Day 4: Data Management, Security & Integration

• User roles and access controls in ODK
• Data security, encryption, and backup strategies
• Exporting data to Excel, Power BI, GIS, SPSS, STATA, and R
• Integrating ODK data with M&E and reporting systems
• Practical session: data export and basic analysis

Day 5: Deployment, Reporting & Best Practices

• Deploying ODK projects at scale
• Monitoring enumerator performance
• Troubleshooting common field challenges
• Reporting, dashboards, and decision-making support
• Group practical, presentations, and course evaluation

Targeted Participants

This training is suitable for:

• Monitoring and Evaluation Officers
• Humanitarian and Development Practitioners
• Data and Information Management Officers
• Researchers and Academic Institutions
• Field Enumerators and Supervisors
• NGOs, Government Agencies, and Donor-Funded Projects

Key Skills Gained

• Mobile survey and form design
• Offline field data collection
• Data quality assurance and validation
• Secure data management and export
• Integration with analysis and visualization tools

Training Approach

• Instructor-led presentations
• Hands-on practical sessions
• Real-world case studies
• Group exercises and project-based learning

Customization Options

This course can be customized for:

• Humanitarian response and emergency assessments
• M&E systems for donor-funded projects
• Health, nutrition, education, and protection programs
• Integration with GIS, Power BI, KoboToolbox, or DHIS2