Training Course on Mobile Data Collection using ODK

Course Overview

The Mobile Data Collection Using Open Data Kit (ODK) course is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and hands-on skills to efficiently collect, manage, and analyze data using mobile technology. The course introduces participants to modern, digital data collection approaches that improve accuracy, reduce costs, and enhance real-time data availability across various sectors.

Through a blend of theory and practical exercises, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of mobile data collection workflows using the ODK platform—from form design and mobile device configuration to field data collection and data analysis. This course is ideal for professionals seeking to strengthen their data collection systems and improve evidence-based decision-making.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles, benefits, and challenges of mobile data collection
• Design and customize digital data collection forms using ODK
• Configure and manage mobile devices for field data collection
• Implement best practices for data collection, security, and quality assurance
• Collect, upload, and manage field data efficiently using ODK Collect
• Export, clean, and analyze collected data using external analysis tools
• Generate actionable insights and reports to support decision-making

Who Can Attend the Course?

This course is suitable for:

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officers
• Research officers and data analysts
• Program and project managers
• Field officers and enumerators
• NGO, government, and development sector staff
• Public health, agriculture, education, and humanitarian professionals
• Anyone interested in mobile data collection using ODK

Benefits to the Organisation

Organizations that enroll staff in this course will benefit from:

• Improved data accuracy, consistency, and reliability
• Faster data collection and real-time access to field data
• Reduced operational costs associated with paper-based data collection
• Enhanced monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes
• Better data-driven decision-making and program performance
• Strengthened institutional capacity in digital data systems

Personal Benefits

Participants will gain:

• Practical, job-ready skills in mobile data collection using ODK
• Hands-on experience in form design, deployment, and field data collection
• Increased efficiency and confidence in managing data workflows
• Enhanced analytical skills for interpreting and presenting data
• A competitive edge in research, M&E, and data-related roles
• A recognized professional skill applicable across multiple sectors

Course Duration

• Online Training: 7 days
• Classroom Training: 5 days

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection and ODK

• Benefits and challenges of mobile data collection
• Introduction to the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform
• Overview of ODK components and functionalities
• Setting up the ODK environment and tools

Module 2: Designing Data Collection Forms with ODK Build

• Creating and customizing data collection forms
• Defining form structure, question types, and validation rules
• Incorporating skip logic and branching
• Testing and deploying forms to mobile devices

Module 3: Configuring Mobile Devices for Data Collection

• Configuring Android devices for ODK data collection
• Installing and setting up ODK Collect
• Managing forms and data on mobile devices
• Ensuring data security and privacy

Module 4: Collecting Data in the Field with ODK

• Best practices for field data collection
• Conducting surveys and assessments using ODK Collect
• Troubleshooting common field challenges
• Uploading and synchronizing data with the ODK server

Module 5: Data Management and Analysis with ODK

• Exporting and managing collected data
• Data cleaning, transformation, and preparation
• Data analysis and visualization using external tools (Excel, R, Power BI)
• Generating reports and actionable insights

Note: This outline provides a general structure for a 5-day training program on Mobile Data Collection using ODK. The specific content, activities, and duration of each session may be adjusted based on the target audience, learning objectives, and available time.