Skip to main content
Ideal Workplace Solutions
NITA AccreditedIntermediatePhysical + Virtual5 daysMDC007

Training on Mobile Data Collection using ODK (Open Data Kit)

Master mobile data collection with ODK. Collect, manage, and analyze data efficiently using smartphones and tablets.

Next intake

20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru

View all dates

Duration

5 days

Live instruction

Delivery

Physical + Virtual

Cohort based

Level

Intermediate

Working professionals

Certification

NITA reimbursable

For Kenyan cohorts

Language

English

All materials

Overview

About this programme

This 5-day intensive training course is designed to equip participants with essential skills in mobile data collection using Open Data Kit (ODK). ODK is a powerful open-source tool that enables users to collect, manage, and analyze field data accurately and efficiently. This course provides participants with hands-on experience in configuring and deploying ODK for various data collection needs, including monitoring and evaluation, field research, humanitarian work, and project reporting. Participants will learn everything from designing surveys and forms to data storage, syncing, and real-time analysis—all essential skills to ensure reliable and high-quality data collection.

Duration

5 Days

Who Should Attend

  • Researchers
  • Data Analysts
  • Development Practitioners
  • Project Managers
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Officers
Learning outcomes

What you'll walk away with

By the end of this training, 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
Course modules

What we cover, module by module

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection and ODK Basics

  • Introduction to mobile phone data collection

  • Common mobile-based data collection platforms

  • Data aggregation, storage, and dissemination

  • Understanding question types and forming a questionnaire

  • Introduction to Open Data Kit (ODK)

    • Components of ODK: ODK Form, ODK Collect Application Interface, ODK Aggregate, ODK Manage

    • ODK platforms and formats

  • Practical Exercise: Explore and navigate ODK Collect interface and basic form creation

  • Case Study: Successful mobile data collection in field surveys

Module 2: Setting up ODK Collect and Aggregate Server

  • ODK Collect Installation from Google Play

  • Manual installation of ODK

  • ODK Collect Menus, Settings, and Security

  • Best practices for ODK Collect

  • ODK Aggregate Server

    • Setting up your own Aggregate server using Google App Engine

    • Configuring ODK Aggregate Server

    • Setting up a local server

    • Uploading forms to Aggregate Server

    • Managing forms and submitted data in Aggregate

    • Administering Aggregate

  • Practical Exercise: Install ODK Collect and set up a local Aggregate server

  • Case Study: Implementing ODK Aggregate in a community survey

Module 3: Designing and Creating Forms

  • Using ODK Build

    • Designing forms directly on ODK Build, KoboForm Builder, PurcForms

    • Uploading forms to Aggregate

    • Form properties

  • Using XLSForm

    • Introduction to XLSForm

    • Components, question types, logic, styling, language

    • Form operators, functions, constraints & skips, validation

    • Uploading forms to Aggregate Server

  • Practical Exercise: Create and upload a sample survey form using ODK Build and XLSForm

  • Case Study: Form design for accurate data collection in health surveys

Module 4: Field Data Collection with ODK Collect

  • Filling forms in ODK Collect

  • Managing forms in ODK Collect

  • Collecting different types of data (text, numeric, GPS, media)

  • Advanced use and best practices

  • Submitting data to ODK Aggregate

  • Practical Exercise: Conduct a mock field survey using ODK Collect

  • Case Study: Lessons learned from mobile field data collection projects

Module 5: Data Management and Visualization

  • Exporting data from ODK Aggregate as CSV

  • Downloading data in different formats

  • Formatting data for analysis using statistical applications

  • Outputting data through Google Spreadsheet

  • Visualizing Geographic Data

    • Exporting GPS coordinates to Google Maps

    • Exporting GPS data for mapping/visualizing

    • Visualizing GIS data using QGIS

  • Practical Exercise: Analyze collected data and visualize GPS coordinates on maps

  • Case Study: Using mobile-collected data for GIS-based decision making

Impact

Where the change lands

Organisational Impact

  • Improves data collection efficiency by replacing paper-based methods with accurate, real-time mobile solutions.

  • Enhances monitoring and evaluation systems through streamlined data gathering and reporting processes.

  • Reduces operational costs associated with manual data entry, errors, and delayed reporting.

  • Strengthens decision-making by providing timely, reliable, and high-quality field data.

  • Builds institutional capacity for large-scale surveys, project tracking, and humanitarian or development work.

Personal Impact

  • Equips participants with practical skills to design, deploy, and manage mobile surveys using ODK.

  • Enhances accuracy and confidence in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

  • Improves efficiency in monitoring and evaluation roles through automation and mobile integration.

  • Builds transferable skills applicable in research, development projects, humanitarian work, and consultancy.

  • Empowers participants to contribute to data-driven decision-making in their organizations and projects.

Dates and locations

Upcoming intakes

Every intake is limited to a small cohort. Booking closes when a date fills or three weeks before the start, whichever comes first.

Full calendar
FAQs

Common questions.

Still not sure? Send us a note and a facilitator will get back to you within a business day.

The goal is to equip you with the skills to use ODK for mobile data collection. You'll learn to design forms, collect data offline, and manage field projects to ensure accurate and efficient data gathering.

Related programmes

You may also like.

Programmes in the same discipline that participants often pair with this course.

Browse the full catalogue
Hybrid5 days
Training Courses
Training for ICT Managers in SACCOs

Training for SACCO ICT Managers: Master strategic planning, cybersecurity, and digital transformation to protect your institution and drive growth.

Multiple citiesOpen enrolment
FromOn request
View course
Hybrid5 days
Training Courses
Training on AI Automation for Business & Operations

Learn AI automation, RPA, workflow design, and chatbot integration to streamline operations, reduce costs, and drive digital transformation.

Multiple citiesOpen enrolment
FromOn request
View course
Hybrid5 days
Training Courses
Training on AI in Finance: Automating Analysis and Predictions with ChatGPT

Learn AI-driven financial automation with ChatGPT to enhance analysis, forecasting, and workflow efficiency.

Multiple citiesOpen enrolment
FromOn request
View course

Course finder

Find the right course for you

Prefer to talk it through? Send us an enquiry and a facilitator will scope a fit within a business day.

For corporate teams

Training 10+ professionals?

We deliver Training on Mobile Data Collection using ODK (Open Data Kit) in-house at your offices, at a venue we arrange, or fully virtual. Customise the curriculum against your KPIs, and get a bespoke price for the cohort size you need.

Request a corporate quoteDownload brochure