The EAD tool response collection mechanism is technically based on the open-source KoboToolbox framework, which allows data collection in multiple ways. Because KoboToolbox is built on the Xform/ODK standards, the EAD form is compatible with a number of different tools that can be used for data collection.
Online access to the EAD input form
To share the link with potential respondents directly by their own nationality/language version, we can provide the URL with adding the lang parameter, as below:
Kobo Toolbox forms can be filled out in web browser on every platforms, or in Android mobile app, KoboCollect (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.koboc.collect.android&hl=en). As for iOS there is no mobile app, at this stage we recommend using the web browser on all platforms, however, if someone prefers the mobile app, for Android there is a short guide on our e-Learning platform. Please note that downloading the form to mobile app requires a QR code authorisation or access (username, password) to our Kobo project. Potential respondents can request QR code from the CAPTIVATE project office, and it is regularly provided for involved participants.
Form structure
The form itself has separate sections (set out on consecutive pages) with several questions contained by each.
As KoboToolbox was basically designed for field data collection (i.e. entering responses from the field / parcel level) in rural conditions often / sometimes without access to internet, it allows saving the response offline, either using browser or mobile app.
Records are automatically stored and queued in your browser until an Internet connection is available. When the app is online, records will be automatically submitted - one by one. Only after a record has been successfully submitted, it will be removed from the queue. You can safely close down your browser and device with items in the queue. They will still be there next time you load the form. Draft records can be accessed by reopening this page and clicking the button on the left of the screen that looks like this: Warning: If you clear your browser cache, all draft and unsubmitted final records will be permanently deleted. Queued records, except those marked as draft, are uploaded automatically, in the background, every 5 minutes when the web page is open and an Internet connection is available. To force an upload in between automatic attempts, click Upload.
The filled in form data is sent to the project server once it is submitted online (offline saving is not such). After the online submission, re-opening (and editing) the form is only possible if the respondent /advisor representing/ is added to the Kobo project with proper permissions (which also pre-requires a Kobo account sign-up). However, it is recommended that at least one advisor or a colleague from a project partner - representing several respondents - is added to the Kobo project to monitor submissions.
Useful KoboToolbox documentation links: