KoBo ToolBox Training

During a special NCWMA meeting on April 11, Miles Falck explained how GLIFWC uses KoBoToolBox to collect all types of biological data in the field.  The KoBoToolBox website and associated mobile device applications (apps) such as KoBoCollect are designed for humanitarian aid workers to record data while working in difficult areas around the world.  KoBoCollect works well for recording data for biological field work too!  GLIFWC has been using it for a few years for recording all types of field data.  Using KoBoToolBox and the associated mobile phone apps have many nice features.  KoBoCollect allows information to be recorded using all the sensors on a mobile device including the GPS coordinates, photos, videos, text and numbers. 

Creating an account and using the app is free and has 5 GB of free data storage available.  It is an economical way to record field data directly into a mobile device so that paper forms do not need to be used and data does not need to be entered into a spreadsheet later. GLIFWC purchases $50 waterproof phones that can connect to the internet by Wi-Fi.  Users do not need to use mobile data or minutes for data collection.  Users can design their own data forms with multiple choice or a cascade series of questions in which the questions asked depends on the previous answers.  The screen is easy to use in the field.  One question is on the screen at a time and swiping the screen records the answer and takes the user to the next question. 

The information that one records can be removed from the website at the end of the season so that the account does not go over its data storage limit.  If the field workers have no internet available, the data is stored on the phone.  It is automatically uploaded to a set account when Wi-fi internet becomes available.  Data from multiple people using the same form can be uploaded into the same data file, or separated as needed.  On the KoBoToolBox website, one can see preliminary tables, maps, and figures of the data.  Managers can also download the data easily into a spreadsheet, database, ArcMap or other programs. 

After Miles Falck’s informative presentation, the group present agreed that NCWMA should create an account to record invasive species information in the field.  Each partner could easily share their data with NCWMA as they gather data using KoBoToolBox and still have the ability to access their data and download it as needed.  The NCWMA would then share the pooled information with state agencies at the end of the field season.  Partners who are interested in creating an account and using the NCWMA’s forms, could follow the directions below or the group could have another training as needed.  Here is a publicly accessible form that anyone can use:  https://tinyurl.com/ncwma-report-invasives

The Nuts and Bolts of Setting up a KoBoToolBox Account

To develop data collection forms using the KoBoToolBox, an organization (such as the NCWMA) makes an account on the KoBoToolBox website and creates data forms.

1. You (a user) make an account through the KoBoToolBox website by first clicking “Get Started.”  The type of account you make is for “Researchers, aide workers, and everyone else.”

2. Share your username with the NCWMA.  The NCWMA will give you access to the forms you need.

3. You download KoBoCollect from the “Play Store” on an Android mobile device (phone or tablet), and sign in with your KoBoToolBox username. 

4. When you open KoBoCollect on you phone, click “Get Blank Form,” and the forms that the NCWMA gave you access to will be available to download.  Download the forms you want.  (Note:  If your username has not been added to the NCWMA account, you will not see any forms.)

5. Select “Fill Form” and you can choose a form that you downloaded.  As you fill it in, it is saved on the mobile device.  When you get into Wi-Fi range, the forms you filled in are uploaded automatically. 

6. A link to the NCWMA account allows you to access you uploaded data.

For more:  The meeting notes from the KoBoToolBox Training (link below) has details in setting up an account and creating forms.  The KoBoToolBox website also has a good “help” section.  Contact Ramona Shackleford with questions.