As YouthMappers, data collection is crucial to our mapping duties. Members of my chapter were taught how to use KoboCollect and ODKCollect for data collection. At the end of the field training, we produced a map with data on the Geography department and surrounding departments, as well as halls/hostels.
However, it didn’t end there. We explored how to use this toolbox to promote the chapter’s growth!
As the General Secretary of the University of Ghana YouthMappers chapter, the chapter’s growth in numbers and mapping edits is essential to me. I believe there’s a positive correlation between the number of chapter members and the number of edits. However, members’ consistency with training activities and meetings fluctuated, so I decided to track attendance using KoboToolbox. I took it a step further.
KoboToolbox is an intuitive, powerful, and reliable software used to collect, analyze, and manage data for surveys, monitoring, evaluation, and research. It is free and open-source software that can be installed on any computer or server, making data collection accessible to everyone everywhere. As YouthMappers, quality, reliable, and accessible data is an integral part of our goal.
How It Worked
First, I built an XLSForm from scratch. In the form, chapter members were required to provide:
Location: This feature automatically captures the GeoPoint of an individual, restricting them to uploading their current location only. This ensures that an absent member filling out the form can be identified by their GeoPoint.
Date & Time: Each training session has its own date but shares the same time frame. Members are required to input the activity date and their time of arrival when filling out the attendance form. This helps monitor punctuality and frequency.
Photo of Current Location: To prevent individuals from filling out attendance while absent, members are required to take and upload an on-the-spot photo of their current location. The form restricts the upload of pre-taken photos to ensure accuracy.
Chapter members were also asked to provide feedback on the training/activity of the day and any challenges they faced. This feedback helps chapter executives plan subsequent activities, ensuring issues are addressed.
This method incentivized members to attend and participate in chapter activities, as their presence and punctuality were monitored. The data clearly indicated when a member was absent.
WHY KOBOTOOLBOX?
For individuals prioritizing efficiency and smart work, KoboToolbox offers an easier way to handle workloads. Below are the steps for using KoboToolbox for data collection, analysis, and storage:
Step 1: Build XLSForm from Scratch
If an existing template is available, you can clone it instead of starting from scratch. Alternatively, you can upload an existing XLSForm, saving time and energy.
Step 2: Select Your Questions
Tailor questions to the kind of data you need and the project objectives. These questions will guide participants when filling out the form.
Step 3: Deploy the Form
To allow users with KoboCollect or ODKCollect apps to fill out the form and collect data, the form must be deployed.
Step 4: Archive the Task
Once data collection is complete, archive the task. This prevents duplication or the entry of incorrect data after the exercise.
Other Features and Benefits
Drafts are securely stored.
Ready projects can be easily deployed.
Completed projects can be archived for future reference.
Contribution to other humanitarian responses, tasks, and projects.
Data can be transferred to Excel for further analysis, such as GIS mapping.
Collected data can be displayed as a heat map or other visual formats, with five base map imagery options to choose from.
Simple data analysis tools are built in.
KoboCollect and ODKCollect can be used offline, with data uploaded once back online.
In sum, field data collection can be tedious. However, with the right tools like Kobo, tasks can be executed more easily, quickly, and efficiently.
About the Author
Lindsey Bonsu is a dedicated YouthMapper at the University of Ghana with a strong passion for empowering young women and girls. You can connect with Lindsey on Twitter at @AmaBonsu19 or on LinkedIn at Lindsey Bonsu.
Good, and great job. Thank you to youth