In the Field : DIL-E4C Mobile Data Collection Series
The wide-spread availability of phone-based communications , and the increasing availability of smartphones and tablets offers international development researchers , practitioners , and students an array of new tools and techniques for collecting field data . This includes new methods for administering surveys that can improve upon traditional pen and paper surveys with novel , real-time , electronic data capture . As adoption of ICTs by development researchers and organizations becomes more widespread , additional uses have emerged – from data collection for monitoring , visualization , and analysis .
In collaboration with Engineering for Change ( E4C ), the DIL-E4C Mobile Data Collection Webinar Series provides researchers , development practitioners , and funders with an introduction to a sample of survey software tools transforming the collection of data for international development research and how they might implement each tool within their own work . Learn about some of these platforms below and check out recordings from the series on YouTube here .
engageSPARK enables anyone , anywhere to build and launch SMS and Voice Call alerts , surveys , reminders , educational curicula and on-demand information campaigns . NGOs and governments anywhere can use engageSPARK to share their messages with anybody in the world who has a mobile phone . engageSPARK is based in Cebu City , Philippines .
KoBoToolbox is a suite of free , open-source tools for field data collection in challenging environments . Most users are people working in humanitarian crises , aid professionals or researchers working in developing countries . KoBoToolbox is based in Cambridge , MA , USA .
Open Data Kit ( ODK ) is an open-source , modular set of tools for building mobile data collection systems . It is an out-of-the-box solution for organizations to create , deploy , and manage mobile data collection solutions . The goal is to create an ecosystem of data collection tools . ODK is based in Seattle , WA , USA .
Premise blends mobile technology with a global network of paid contributors in 34 countries . Together they generate insights that enable decision makers to monitor global issues such as the price and availability of food , access to health and human services , and the progress of government revenue recovery efforts . Premise is based in San Francisco , CA , USA .
SurveyCTO is a field-tested technology platform that collects data using mobile phones , tablets , or computers . Organizations can collect data online or offline , access data as soon as it ’ s collected , keep data secure , and ensure data quality with SurveyCTO ’ s powerful quality-control features . SurveyCTO is based in Boston , MA , USA .
VOTO Mobile employs interactive SMS ( text messages ) and voice calls to enable businesses and organizations to share information and gather feedback . VOTO Mobile is based in Accra , Ghana .
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