Mobile Phone Based Data Collection Using ODK and Mapping Training

INTRODUCTION

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The exercise of data collection remains indispensable in capturing quality evidence that then translates to rich data analysis and allows the building of a convincing and credible answer to questions that have been posed. With different organizations, professional, Programmes and projects collecting data regularly to evaluate and monitor progress and performance, best practices of data collection are more needed than ever to ensure that data gathered are both defined and accurate and that subsequent decisions based on arguments embodied in the findings are valid. Mobile Phone Based Data Collection using ODK has been acknowledged worldwide by researchers, non-governmental organizations, relief agencies and health ministries among other organization as very useful and convenient data collection method substituting paper-based data collection method. This training will give the participant the ability to put in place all the pieces required for a mobile data collection system.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

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This is a general training targeting participants undertaking projects, surveys, programs or other related activities which involve the gathering of data. No prior Knowledge of mobile data collection is required.

DURATION

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5 days.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

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The training is aimed at introducing and equipping participants with skills in;

• Designing & building a form using ODK Build
• Uploading the form to aggregate & send to Android phone
• Setting up aggregate server
• Mobile data collection using ODK
• Submitting completed data to aggregate server
• Exporting data from ODK aggregate as CSV
• Importing ODK - CSV file into statistical applications
• Exporting GPS data for Mapping/Visualizing (fusion map)

Module I: General Introduction

• Introduction to mobile phone data collection
• Common mobile based data collection platforms
• Advantages of Mobile Applications
• Challenges
• Data aggregation, storage, and dissemination
• Understanding question types forming a questionnaire
  • Numbering (integer, decimal, string)
  • Text and notes
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Ranking questions
  • Extended data types geoid, image, videos etc

Module II: Introduction to Open Data Kit ODK

• Components of Open Data Kit (ODK)
  • ODK Form (Basic format of XLSForm)
  • ODK Collect Application Interface
  • ODK Aggregate
  • ODK Manage
• ODK platforms and formats
• Downloading and install ODK Collect into mobile devices or using APK file

Module III: Designing and creating Forms I

• Creating ODK Collect Forms
  • Downloading forms;
  • Creating ODK Data CollectForm using Excel: Preparing your sheets
    • Survey sheet
    • Choices sheet
    • Settings sheet
• ODK build;

-        Creating and Publishing forms to Agregate or XML

• Designing forms directly on:
  • ODK Build
  • Koboform builder
  • PurcForms

Module III: Designing and creating Forms II

• Introduction to XLS forms syntax
• Creating XLS forms manually based on;
  • Types of questions
  • Question's caption or prompt
  • Repetitive Questions
  • Restrictions on the kinds of answers to can enter
• Constraints & Skips
• Validate Form

Module IV: ODK Aggregate Server

• Setting up own aggregate server using Google App Engine
• Configuring ODK Aggregate Server
• How to Create Own Server
• Uploading the form to aggregate server
• Submitting completed data to aggregate server
• Exporting data from ODK Aggregate as CSV
• Importing ODK – CSV file into statistical applications

Module V: Transform data and Using GPS Coordinates for Mapping/Visualizing

• Downloading data directly from Aggregate
• Outputting data through;
  • Google Spreadsheet
  • Google Fusion Tables
• Exporting GPS Coordinates (Google maps) to Fusion Tables
• Exporting GPS data for Mapping/Visualizing (fusion map)
• Exporting data to Fusion Tables using QGIS
• Integrating Digital Data Collection into a Survey Plan