Course Description

This course offers a hands-on, comprehensive guide to Advanced Kobo Toolbox and Open Data Kit (ODK) for efficient mobile-based data collection. Tailored for field researchers, M&E professionals, data collectors, and project officers, the course focuses on designing, deploying, and managing digital surveys using XLS Form syntax, Kobo Toolbox, and ODK. From understanding basic data collection methods to deploying complex skip logics and GPS-enabled surveys, learners will gain the full skillset needed to conduct digital data collection in humanitarian, development, academic, or private sector projects.

Why should you take this course?

In today’s data-driven world, mobile-based data collection is replacing traditional paper-based methods due to its accuracy, speed, and real-time access. Kobo Toolbox and ODK are open-source platforms that are widely used by NGOs, government agencies, and researchers across the globe. By mastering these tools, you will be able to:

• Digitize complex questionnaires with ease
• Collect high-quality field data using mobile devices
• Conduct real-time monitoring and evaluation
• Share survey links with respondents easily
• Ensure greater data integrity and cost efficiency

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Whom is this course for:

This course is designed for:

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers
• Field Data Collectors and Surveyors
• NGO/INGO and Development Workers
• Public Health and Social Science Researchers
• Project Officers and Coordinators
• Students or professionals working with research or field data

Prerequisite Courses:

Although this is an advanced course, no prior experience with Kobo or ODK is required. However, it is helpful to have:

• Basic computer skills
• Familiarity with Excel (especially formulas)
• Some knowledge of research and data collection methods (recommended but not required)

What you earn after completion of this course:

Upon successful completion of the Advanced Kobo Toolbox and ODK for Mobile Data Collection course, you will gain:

✅ Practical Skills Certificate
You will receive a verifiable certificate showcasing your ability to build, deploy, and manage digital surveys using Kobo Toolbox and ODK, recognized by organizations involved in research, monitoring & evaluation, and fieldwork.

✅ Hands-On Experience
By the end of the course, you will be able to independently:

• Build complex forms using XLS Form syntax
• Digitize paper-based surveys
• Set up Kobo Toolbox servers
• Use ODK Collect and mobile devices for real-time data collection
• Share surveys via links for remote data collection

✅ Professional Competence
you will become competent in tools used by top NGOs, UN agencies, and research institutions, making you more competitive in roles related to:

• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Research Assistance
• Data Analysis and Field Coordination
• Humanitarian and Development Projects

✅ Confidence in Real-World Projects
With project-based learning and practical demonstrations, you’ll be ready to:

• Join data collection teams in field surveys
• Design and manage M&E systems
• Support academic or institutional research activities