ODK XLS Form Masterclass

Course Description: Unlock the power of ODK XLSForm to streamline your data collection processes. This comprehensive course is designed for professionals in public health, M&E, and other data-intensive fields. You will learn how to create, validate, and deploy complex forms using Excel, enhancing your data collection efficiency and accuracy. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in:

• Creating and customizing forms with various question types
• Implementing advanced form logic and constraints
• Validating and troubleshooting XLSForms
• Integrating forms with ODK tools for seamless data collection

Total Course Duration: 4 Weeks (1 hours per week)

Module 1: Introduction to ODK and XLSForm

• Lesson 1.1: Overview of ODK Ecosystem
• Introduction to ODK tools and their applications
• Benefits of using ODK for data collection
• Lesson 1.2: Understanding XLSForm
• What is XLSForm?
• Key components and structure of an XLSForm

Module 2: Designing Basic Forms

• Lesson 2.1: Creating Your First XLSForm
• Setting up your Excel sheet
• Adding basic question types (text, integer, decimal, select_one, select_multiple)
• Lesson 2.2: Customizing Form Appearance
• Using labels and hints
• Grouping questions and using repeats

Module 3: Advanced Form Features

• Lesson 3.1: Implementing Form Logic
• Skip logic and relevance
• Constraints and validation criteria
• Lesson 3.2: Calculations and Dynamic Defaults
• Using calculations in forms
• Setting dynamic default values

Module 4: Form Validation and Troubleshooting

• Lesson 4.1: Validating Your XLSForm
• Common validation tools and techniques
• Debugging common errors
• Lesson 4.2: Best Practices for Form Design
• Tips for creating user-friendly and efficient forms
• Avoiding common pitfalls

Module 5: Deploying and Managing Forms

• Lesson 5.1: Integrating with ODK Collect
• Uploading forms to ODK Aggregate or Central
• Downloading and using forms in ODK Collect
• Lesson 5.2: Managing Data Collection Campaigns
• Monitoring data collection progress
• Exporting and analyzing collected data

Module 6: Practical Application and Case Studies

• Lesson 6.1: Real-World Examples
• Case studies from public health and development sectors
• Lessons learned and best practices
• Lesson 6.2: Hands-On Project
• Designing and deploying a complete form
• Peer review and feedback session

Module 7: Course Wrap-Up

• Lesson 7.1: Review and Q&A
• Recap of key concepts

Open Q&A session