We recently published a comprehensive blog post about data collection design and how to choose the best data collection tool for a specific project. Last week we discussed the second question to consider when selecting a data collection tool: Who are the respondents? This week’s tip is about the third question: Is there online access?
Many of Khulisa’s evaluations include fieldwork in places with limited internet/cellular access. In situations like this, it’s important to plan ahead and choose data collection tools that function both online and offline. Tangerine, discussed in our previous tip, can collect data regardless of whether the user has an internet connection. Jotform, which offers both free and premium versions, offers fillable PDF forms that don’t require online access. (See last week’s tip for a description of how Khulisa used Jotform to survey a vulnerable population of refugee youth.)
For more thoughts on how to choose the best data collection tool for your budget, read the full blog post or watch our recent “The Science Behind Data Collection” webinar, presented as part of gLOCAL Evaluation Week, on YouTube. Also, stay tuned for our final data collection #EvalTuesdayTip next week.