Mobile Data Collection Using ODK is a hands-on program that equips participants with the skills to design, deploy, and manage mobile surveys effectively. Open Data Kit (ODK) is a free open-source toolkit widely used in research, development, humanitarian, and government projects to replace paper-based systems and capture high-quality data in low-resource environments.

The course delivers practical guidance on form design, survey deployment, field data collection, and data management using ODK. Participants work directly with tools such as ODK Collect, ODK Central, and XLSForm while applying real-world scenarios to reinforce learning.

Training is offered in person, virtually, or in a blended format to suit organizational needs. Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded a certificate of course completion.

Course Objectives

By the end of this Mobile Data Collection Using ODK Training Course, participants will be able to:

• Create survey forms using Build or XLSForms
• Set up ODK Build, Collect and Aggregate
• Upload forms to an Aggregate server
• Load forms into Collect on an Android device
• Use ODK Collect to fill out forms with field participants
• Upload survey data from Collect to Aggregate
• Export and analyse data from Aggregate

Target Audience

• M&E Officers and Field Researchers
• Field Researchers and Survey Teams
• NGO and Humanitarian Staff
• Public Health and Development Professionals
• Academics and Data Analysts
• Government Field Officers and Program Managers

Training Duration

Classroom: 5 Days

Online: 7 Days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection

• Introduction to mobile phone data collection
• Common mobile based data collection platforms
• Data aggregation, storage, and dissemination
• Understanding question types forming a questionnaire

Module 2: Introduction to Open Data Kit (ODK)

• Components of Open Data Kit (ODK)
• ODK Form
• ODK Collect Application Interface
• ODK Aggregate
• ODK Manage
• ODK platforms and formats

Module 3: Setting up ODK Collect

• ODK Collect Installation from google play
• Manual installation of OK
• ODK Collect Menus, Settings and Security
• Best practices for ODK Collect

Module 4: ODK Aggregate Server

• Setting up own aggregate server using Google App Engine
• Configuring ODK Aggregate Server
• Setting up local server
• Uploading the form to aggregate server
• Managing forms in Aggregate
• Working with submitted data in aggregate
• Administering aggregate

Module 5: Designing and Creating forms using ODK Build

• Using ODK build
• Designing forms directly on:
  • ODK Build
  • Koboform builder
  • PurcForms
• Uploading forms to aggregate
• Form properties

Module 6: Designing and Creating form using XLS form

• Introduction to XLSForm
• Components of XLSForm
• Question types
• Form Logic, styling, language
• Form operators and functions
• Constraints & Skips
• Form validation
• Uploading form to aggregate server

Module 7: Using ODK Collect for field data collection

• Filling forms in ODK Collect
• Managing forms in ODK Collect
• Collecting different types of data
• Advanced use and best practices
• Submitting data to ODK aggregate

Module 8: Data Management

• Exporting data from ODK Aggregate as CSV
• Downloading data in different formats
• Formatting data for further analysis using statistical applications
• Outputting data through Google spreadsheet

Module 9: Visualizing Geographic Data

• Exporting GPS Coordinates to Google maps
• Exporting GPS data for Mapping/Visualizing
• Visualizing GIS data 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.

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded a certificate of course completion

Course Booking

Please use the “book now” or “inquire” buttons on this page to either book your space or make further enquiries.