Training Course on Mobile-Based Data Collection using ODK, KoboToolbox & SurveyCTO

Course Overview
Mobile-based data collection has transformed how organizations gather, manage, and analyze data in the field—enabling faster, more accurate, and cost-effective Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), research, and humanitarian response. This course provides hands-on training in the use of Open Data Kit (ODK), KoboToolbox, and SurveyCTO, three of the most widely adopted mobile data collection platforms globally.
Participants will learn how to design digital survey forms, configure logic and skip patterns, deploy forms to field devices, collect and monitor data remotely, and export datasets for analysis. Emphasis is placed on form design best practices, offline data collection, and data quality assurance. The course also covers GPS, multimedia integration, enumerator management, and real-time monitoring dashboards.
Through real-life simulations and practical sessions, participants will gain the technical skills to digitize their data collection processes and improve the speed and integrity of their M&E systems.
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Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
•Understand the principles and benefits of mobile-based data collection.
•Design and deploy digital forms using ODK, KoboToolbox, and SurveyCTO.
•Incorporate skip logic, constraints, GPS, multimedia, and barcode scanning into forms.
•Manage data collection teams and monitor submissions in real-time.
•Export and prepare data for cleaning, analysis, and reporting.
•Troubleshoot mobile data collection issues in the field.
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Target Audience
This course is ideal for:
•M&E officers and field enumerators
•Program and project managers
•Researchers and data collection consultants
•NGO, CSO, and government staff involved in surveys and rapid assessments
•ICT4D practitioners and digital data officers
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Training Methodology
•Instructor-led demonstrations and walkthroughs
•Guided design of mobile forms and deployment exercises
•Hands-on simulations using Android phones or emulators
•Group exercises on team management and remote monitoring
•Real-time feedback and peer-to-peer problem solving
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Expected Outcomes
Participants will gain the confidence and technical competence to digitize and manage mobile data collection activities in their organizations. They will be able to ensure real-time, reliable, and secure data collection using ODK, KoboToolbox, or SurveyCTO