Training Course on Mobile Data Collection using ODK & Kobo toolbox

Data collection has always been an integral part of development work. In the past, these tasks were performed with paper and pen, which made them prone to error, difficult to conduct on a large scale, and high in transaction costs.

ICT tools such as mobile devices and software that allows users to create surveys, collect, manage and upload data to storage facilities in real-time, have reduced the conventional challenges associated with remote data collection.

If you have always wanted to learn how to collect, manage and analyze project data using mobile devices, this training course is for you. This training course also comes with additional M&E and GIS modules to help participants put the skills acquired into perspective. The GIS module will help participants work with spatial data.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive Certificate of Participation

COURSE OBJECTIVES

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

  • Understand ICT tools and methods to conduct data collection, statistical analysis and reporting
  • Gather data for project/programme using innovative Mobile data gathering tools.

DURATION

The course will take 10 days.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The course targets government representatives, project teams, NGOs, multi and bilateral development organizations, consultancies, etc, who work as M&E specialists, project managers, researchers and technical specialists.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to the course and a Refresher to M&E

  • Refresher to ICT
  • Introducing mobile data collection system architecture
  • Introducing common mobile based data collection tools, techniques and platform.
  • Mobile data collection benefits
  • Mobile data collection challenges
  • Best Practices

Module 2: Introducing Survey Authoring/Digitization

  • Introduction to xlsforms syntax for survey authoring – Digitizing questionnaires for ODK using xlsforms.
  • Intermediate Survey Authoring/Digitization
  • Intermediate survey authoring: Digitizing questionnaires for ODK using xlsforms.

Module 3: Advanced Survey Authoring/Digitization

  • Advanced survey authoring: Digitizing questionnaires for ODK using xlsforms.
  • Questionnaire logic.
  • Troubleshooting Xlsforms
  • Convertion of xlsforms to XML
  • XML forms validation

Module 4: Data Management

  • Survey Data Hosting
  • Apps Engine Account set up
  • ODK aggregate server in a cloud server set up.
  • ODK Collect for Mobile data collection set up.
  • Uploading XML forms to ODK Aggregate
  • Management of hosting platform quota.
  • Data Visualization and analysis using ODK Aggregate.
  • Analysis by downloading/extracting data from ODK Aggregate.
  • Calibration of mobile device for data collection.
  • Management of field data collection.
  • Mobile Data Collection Using KoBo Toolbox
  • Using web-based interface to digitize questionnaires
  • KoBo Toolbox for hosting data
  • Mobile data collection using KoBo Collect set up
  • Calibration of mobile device for data collection.
  • Data Visualization and analysis using KoBo Toolbox.
  • Downloading/extracting data for analysis.

Module 5: GIS

  • Spatial Mapping
  • Introducing GIS
  • Working with Spatial data (GPS Coordinates)
  • Introducing the Fusion Table
  • Exporting GPS Coordinates (Google maps) to Fusion tables
  • Using QGIS to export data to Fusion tables
  • Conversion of data to shape files
  • Platform choice
  • Platform choice discussion
  • Integration of tools of Mobile Data Collection into projects.

GENERAL NOTES

  • The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.
  • The participants should be reasonably proficient in English as all facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a certificate.
  • The training will be held at Kincaid Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.
  • All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
  • Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training coordinator at Email: training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org or Tel: +254 724592901
  • This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Kincaid Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 724592901 or send mail to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org

Payments are due upon registration. Payment should be sent to our Bank account before commencement of training and proof of payment sent to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org

Dates Duration Price Location Apply
Feb 9 - Feb 20, 2026 10 days $2,250.00 Nairobi
Mar 9 - Mar 20, 2026 10 days $2,250.00 Nairobi
Apr 6 - Apr 17, 2026 10 days $2,800.00 Mombasa
May 4 - May 15, 2026 10 days $4,500.00 Kigali
Jun 1 - Jun 12, 2026 10 days $2,250.00 Nairobi
Jun 29 - Jul 10, 2026 10 days $2,250.00 Nairobi
Jul 27 - Aug 7, 2026 10 days $5,500.00 Dubai
Aug 24 - Sep 4, 2026 10 days $2,250.00 Nairobi
Sep 21 - Oct 2, 2026 10 days $2,250.00 Nairobi
Oct 19 - Oct 30, 2026 10 days $2,800.00 Mombasa
Nov 16 - Nov 27, 2026 10 days $2,250.00 Nairobi
Dec 14 - Dec 25, 2026 10 days $2,250.00 Nairobi