Introduction
Once you have created a form in KoboToolbox and are satisfied with the settings, you are now ready to start collecting data using the form. Data can be collected directly from the web using a link that is shared with the intended respondents, or it can be collected using mobile phones through KoboCollect. KoboCollect is the mobile application version of KoboToolbox, which allows researchers to collect data using their mobile phones. Kobo Collect is only available for Android users. In this tutorial, you will learn how to deploy your form, install KoboCollect, and connect it to your KoboToolbox account. I also explain why the form owner and data collectors must be registered on the same server. By the end, your data collectors’ phones will be ready to receive your form.
Deploying the form
Before data can be collected using a form created in Kobo Toolbox, the owner must first deploy the form, as shown in the images below.
Open the Kobo Toolbox, click on the form you want to deploy.
From the form menu, click on deploy.
The form will now appear with the status “deployed” in the list of projects, and will now be ready to start receiving submissions from the form.
Downloading and configuring KoboCollect
The first step is to register with kobotoolbox.org.
Both the owner of the form and the people receiving the form should register on the same server, “Global KoboToolbox Server.” If the owner and the recipients are on different servers, the owner will not be able to share a form with them.
The second step is to download the KoboCollect application on your mobile phone device.
The third step is to configure the KoboCollect app using the following steps:
- Open the Kobo Collect app
- Go to settings (three dots at the top right corner).
- Click on the server.
- In the URL section, put this URL: https://kc.kobotoolbox.org
- Put your username (the same one you used to create an account on Kobotoolbox)
- Lastly, put your password.
- Then click OK.
Once the KoboCollect is properly configured, the respondent/data collector must share their username with the owner of the form to enable the owner share the project with him/her as discussed in the previous post.
The KoboCollect app is now ready to start receiving forms.
Conclusion
Your form is now deployed, and KoboCollect is set up to receive it. Remember that the form owner and every data collector must use the same KoboToolbox server, or the form will not appear in the app. Ask each data collector for their username and share the project with them before fieldwork begins. Test the setup on at least one device before training your team. In the next tutorial, we will collect data with KoboCollect step by step.
Other tutorials in the series
How to Collect Data with KoboCollect: Step-by-Step Guide (KoboToolbox Tutorial #7)
KoboCollect Settings: How to Configure the App for Fieldwork (KoboToolbox Tutorial #8)
Data Management in KoboToolbox: Reports, Validation & Export (KoboToolbox Tutorial #9)