My Communities

Program staff

Managers

Executive

Donors

Partners

Government

agencies

The reasons for this are obvious based on whereas previously conducting a survey required hundreds of hours of recording, copying, and organizing paper, teams equipped with the appropriate technology can now easily record survey data on smartphones. Even as more information is collected digitally, it is still worth considering whether digital data collection is the best option for your team based on data collection efficiency, data management, data access, security, and data usefulness.

The use of digital forms will help your company reduce costs, streamline business processes, and improve efficiency.

with the era of technology assessing digital choices has become easy convenient and collaborative though this comes with its bag of consequences

Despite the concerns for digital ways for data collection, the increase in technological advancements are proving the efficiency and need for digital data collection, rather than paper based methods that are difficult in storage and accessibility.

One of the glaring advantages of digital data collection is the data entry time that is saved. The data can easily be put into a data analysis platform.

This part of the course help me learn about the advantage and disadvantage of digital choice and also discover a range of data collection tools.

good new

Am happy to learn and know about the digital choices of data collection and their advantages and concerns. Also the benefits of using Mobile Data Collection (MDC) include; increased speed of data collection, reduced cost, there is increased data accuracy, increased functionality and there is accountability.
with all these benefits I recommend the use of digital data collection choices over the manual choices

Digital methods of collecting data become more popular in last two decades because, teams with the right technology can now easily record survey data on smart phone.

My name is ANDREW BRIMA KAMARA

One of the reasons why it is relevant in switching from. Paper data to digital data is for simplicity of accessing the needed information by users or clientel without wasting much time

Digital methods of collecting data have become very popular in the last two decades. The reasons why are obvious: where previously, running a survey required hundreds of hours of recording, copying and organizing paper, teams with the right technology can now easily record survey data on smartphones.

However, even as more and more information is collected digitally, it is still worth considering whether digital data collection is the best option for your team. Let’s take a look at a few of the advantages and remaining concerns surrounding digital methods for data collection.

Handling and working with such should be of careful from second parties and also it depends on the best data are collected or target expectations of data collection

Using digital data gives you more efficiency, data management etc.
Storage of data is high and safe.

While digital choices present an array of options for data collection, assessing the best alternative is a different discussion. Another cause of concern are data costs. Finding the right balance with the given resources available is key.

Digital choices are helpful, although their resources (computers, mobiles...) are very expensive. Digital choice is easy, flexible and easy access of the data for many people at the same time, what is not time-consuming.

Digital choices are easy to use, simple a dynamic; but the resources to use (computers, smartphones, mobiles, internet...) are very expensive.

I would like to go with digital option on availability . This is because of the vital reason that the data transfer and data collection will be much easier and faster. Apart from that , it will be favorable for any company or organization for sure as the time saving will be the plus point as a fact .

I would like to go with digital option on availability . This is because of the vital reason that the data transfer and data collection will be much easier and faster. Apart from that , it will be favorable for any company or organization for sure as the time saving will be the plus point as a fact .

In most cases it has come to notice that using of digital means in generating data is as more effective that face to face methods. some researchers opt to portray out that it has made participants open up fully in that their is know physical contacts, it creates a professional relationship during the course of the activity which provides trust, rapport. However issues of confidentiality, informed consent must also be considered foe example as a researcher viewing the participants profile information without his or consent promotes unethical perspective, among others.

Digital data collection is the ability to gather, examine, and distribute data using electronic devices like smartphones and tablet computers. Prior to the advent of digital data collecting, field data were written on paper.

This topic is

digital choices have always outweighed paper by far. its advantages are great and its concerns can be dealt with easily.

as long as your team have skilled personnel to handle the digital choices, then it makes a lot of work easier and less tiring. instead of visiting each place with a bundle of paper for a survey of interview, you can just do that via video conferencing or sms and emails.

The digital data collection method is the most important method now a day due to the fact that
it save time and efficiency of data collection.
Its allow all M&E staff to easily
-collect all types of data
-manage data
-Analyze data
-Access data
-use data

Data entry, Data analysis, Data access and Data management are very importance during collection process, and it need good management skilled people to used these tools. so the tools for data collections are very useful and some are expensive example the digital device, some are too costly. so these device need to maintained in properly way.

Using digital tool for the survey is the most useful than the other tools in terms of the accuracy of the data, by using the digital tool data is collected soon and cleaned and analyzed very well, the collected data should be kept secure as there is no any record in hard copy in this method, the data collector should be trained on the use of smartphones and well known the survey questionnaires to collect and submit accurate and reliable data.

Digital methods of collecting data have become very popular in the last two decades. The reasons why are obvious: where previously, running a survey required hundreds of hours of recording, copying and organizing paper, teams with the right technology can now easily record survey data on smartphones.

However, even as more and more information is collected digitally, it is still worth considering whether digital data collection is the best option for your team. Let’s take a look at a few of the advantages and remaining concerns surrounding digital methods for data collection.

The digital platform may have helped most people if die it's effective and fast processing

I agree 👍

As other ways of sampling it's limitations may not make it reliable
It may be destorted digitally and may be much harder for unproffesional

The sampling methods I mean the Data collection methods that are of combined procedure tent to improve the accuracy

Digital assessment (DA) is the delivery of assessments, tests, surveys, and other measures via digital devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones. It typically leverages additional technology such as the Internet or Intranets. The primary goal is to be able to develop items, publish tests, deliver tests, and provide meaningful results – as quickly, easily, and validly as possible. To produce digital assessment, its design, performance, and feedback must be driven by modern technology, typically cloud-based digital assessment platforms. Such platforms do much more than just the delivery though, and modules include:

Digital data collection tool is highly efficient with much simplicity and can cover more population within a short period, though it has some challenges but with proper planning it can still be the best choices.

IT MAKES WORK FASTER, AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE

Digital data collection has an immense advantage that could aid the project implementers in the taxing task of data management. However, in the case of the Philippines, this option might still be a bit of a challenge as there is still a wide digital gap where many poor communities have no access to expensive technologies. To some communities there is still difficulty in accessing internet connectivity and even electricity.

Provided with those types of digitalizing data collections ,the one well goona chose depend on how much we need it .But after all so much thanks to knowing the best use in which supports which all have its advantages

Provided with those types of digitalizing data collections ,the one well goona chose depend on how much we need it .But after all so much thanks to knowing the best use in which supports which all have its advantages

The costs in implementing digital methods may be high but that expense is covered up by not needing to work twice more for twice as more out put, with digital mechanism you work twice less for twice more output

Data collection matters in; form, time,method,tools and the mapped objectivity
The data use, analysis, management, storage and the accessibility will also of greater determinants

Nowadays with the advancement of the technology, Digital data collections has taken the lead turning the process of data collection, analysis and use more rapid and practical. Although digital data collection is regarded the most efficient way of collecting and storing data, it on the other hand warrants the M&E team to reflect around some drawbacks of this method to ensure the safety and accuracy of the data.

It is important to consider project goals before deciding on whether Digital data collection methods are right for your project.

we use a program with smartphone to record data.
manually intering the readings from electricity and water meters then back to Computer and synchronization it ز

Assessing digital data collection is vital. However, today, technology has eased many things including how digitally data can collected. For example, you do not always require to be on the ground to collect certain kind of data. Digital data collection I'm advantageous than manual.

As life is becoming digital, digitising M&E is the future. However, this should not come at the cost of ethics.

Digital assessment is the delivery of assessments, tests, surveys, and other measures via digital devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones. It typically leverages additional technology such as the Internet or Intranets. The primary goal is to be able to develop items, publish tests, deliver tests, and provide meaningful results – as quickly, easily, and validly as possible.

Embracing digital data collection as the new norm will enable organisations to adapt to the changing times, enhance efficiency, and stay ahead by leveraging advanced technological tools for accurate and streamlined data acquisition processes.

The use of digital choices presents advantages and also disadvantages of using these. Advantages include; efficiency of data collection, data types, data management , data access and data use. Disadvantages however include; uneven availability, cost, training and security

Efficiency of data collection:

Digital strategies scale easily. In other words, to reach twice as many people, you do not necessarily need to work twice as hard.

The digital mode of collecting data has made it easier to carry out data collection on a large scale and is also faster than the conventional paper collection method. Though digital choices are not without their downsides, I believe the future holds more promise.

Assessing data is very important

This digital choices is so much interesting, yet challenging. I've involved in one research that use digital method in collecting data and very much appreciate the benefit we got. But of course we really need proper resource to make this method runs smoothly.

Switching from a paper-based data collection system to a digital system offers several significant advantages in terms of efficiency, accuracy, data management, analysis, responsiveness, and security. It can enhance the overall quality of data collection, streamline decision-making processes, and enable more efficient resource utilization.

In this new era collecting data digitally is of advantage because it reduces long hours taken during recording copying and organising papers. now survey data can be recorded on smart phones. Even as more information can be collected digitally.

Digital data collection simplyfies the work . all types of data is simple to cellect them with digital methods., with digital data collection data is easily accessed, digital data collection helps in gathering, organising and storing thousands of dta in a short period of time, data that is captured and stored digitally is easier to work with.

the team should learn about different options so they can decide on the best option for the different projects they are working on.

digital options provide more accurate information about data entry ex. the person who logged the data, the exact time,and tracks any modifications of the entered data.

Nowadays, things get change, furniture get change, work environment get change, people get change and use new tools and equipments. People get shift from paper pencil to digital resources during last two decades. In fact, digital data have more advantages over traditional one -paper pencil.

Well, all the above software are Ok for data collection, but, there are some other tools and software to collect data, So, I highly recommend those software like:
ODK (open data kit)
and
Kobo

I would be open to know other resources available apart from the listed ones.

Technology has no come to take over our job but make is faster to deliver with lesser time and effort than the paper generation

I loved the take on Digital Collection tools. Amazing insight on the concerns surrounding Digital Collection tools

planning a survey and your partners consider CAPI impractical or inferior to PAPI, refer to the following cheat list of some of the advantages of electronic data collection.
Avoid mistakes before they happen.
Ask the right questions
Change your mind
Get better answers.
Know how work is progressing.
Experimentally test survey design

Kobo collect is the most popular digital data collection tool among the humanitarian and development workers in my region. North East Nigeria

Digital data is easy to use but it needs staff to be trained in such skills to use technology for digital data collection. Digital data collection is expensive and challenging at once if you need to cover massive population those do not have access to smart phones, emails, computers, etc.

Digital data collection tools have become popular and it has an advantage because more data can be collected digitally. Further, it has known advantages that it has resulted in efficient data collection, data management, data access and Data use.

It would be a good idea to introduce mobile data collection/paperless data collection not only to end users but to key stakeholders too to facilitate developments from up to ground and vice versa. End users need to upskill and local leaders need to provide the infrastructure and equipment.

INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT?
Installing, updating and fixing data management tools can require specialized technical knowledge. As a result, even the most technologically-savvy organizations often rely on consultants or companies to maintain and update some parts of their IT systems.

However, over-reliance on external consultants can be expensive. It also opens your organization up to some risks: if an element of your data management system breaks, will you be able to contact your IT consultant in time? Will they really understand what your organization needs to be able to do?

Finally, even if you hire an IT consultant, your team still needs to generally understand how the technology works. If there is no one on your team who is able to talk about how the technology works or what it should do, it will be very difficult to make sure that your IT consultants are doing what you hope they will do.

This is why, in addition to hiring consultants or services, you should train your staff to use, modify and fix your data management tools.Communities_Mozambique_Story.pdf 0

I think that digital methods of collecting data have revolutionized the field of data collection. They offer several advantages, including real-time data entry, reduced errors, faster data processing, and the ability to collect large volumes of data.
However, there are challenges associated with digital data collection, such as the need for appropriate infrastructure and technical skills, potential privacy and security concerns, and the risk of digital divide issues, where certain groups may be excluded due to limited access to technology.
Overall, digital methods have streamlined data collection processes and improved data quality, making them increasingly popular in various fields. It's essential to weigh the benefits and challenges when deciding to adopt digital data collection methods for a particular project.

The advantages and concerns related to digital data collection are very important to note.

Digital data collection is dependent on many factors eg, one has to tech servy, have a technological knowhow and be fast in typing the responses from the respondents. Also, its heavily dependent on power so if there is power outages, the data may be lost and last but not least, electronic glitches. Some of these machines can fail or breakdown just like any manufactured thing.

P
When assessing digital choices as a data collection method, it's crucial to consider factors like privacy, accuracy, and ethics. Evaluate the type of data being collected, ensure it's done with user consent, and comply with relevant data protection regulations. Additionally, assess the security measures in place to protect the collected data from breaches. Transparency in data collection practices and providing users with control over their data are essential aspects to consider. Finally, consider the reliability and validity of the collected data to ensure it meets the research or analysis objectives effectively.

When assessing digital choices as a data collection method, it's crucial to consider factors like privacy, accuracy, and ethics. Evaluate the type of data being collected, ensure it's done with user consent, and comply with relevant data protection regulations. Additionally, assess the security measures in place to protect the collected data from breaches. Transparency in data collection practices and providing users with control over their data are essential aspects to consider. Finally, consider the reliability and validity of the collected data to ensure it meets the research or analysis objectives effectively.

• Kobo Toolbox – data collection tool
to create surveys and forms with
online and offline capabilities, free
for humanitarian organizations
• SurveyCTO – data collection with
phones, tablets, computers
• Qualtrics – a survey creation and
reporting software
• Form Assembly – web form builder
and data collection platform
• Typeform- Spanish online software
service company that specializes in
online form building and online
surveys. Its main software creates
dynamic forms based on user needs.

Moving away from M&E paper-based systems:

improves data utilization, decision making and the quality of programme delivery
removes data custodians and reduces risks related to data availability due to staff turnover
saves a lot of time and is more cost effective in the long-term
is more environmentally friendly
significantly improves data protection
Replacing M&E spreadsheet systems with web-based technologies:

removes collaboration obstacles such as parallel systems and outdated files
reduces data cleaning and harmonizations needs
enables information flow to and from all directions
reinforces team participation on data related activities
saves time and resources leaving time for learning from and acting upon collected data
supports understanding better performance in relation to strategy

Moving away from M&E paper-based systems:

improves data utilization, decision making and the quality of programme delivery
removes data custodians and reduces risks related to data availability due to staff turnover
saves a lot of time and is more cost effective in the long-term
is more environmentally friendly
significantly improves data protection
Replacing M&E spreadsheet systems with web-based technologies:

removes collaboration obstacles such as parallel systems and outdated files
reduces data cleaning and harmonizations needs
enables information flow to and from all directions
reinforces team participation on data related activities
saves time and resources leaving time for learning from and acting upon collected data
supports understanding better performance in relation to strategy

Prioritization & Selection
Digital initiatives are often dispersed across the company with no central accountability. Ideas are developed and implemented individually by different departments with no coherent digital strategy in mind. Consequently, companies lack transparency, and an overarching prioritization and allocation of resources is not feasible. Potential is lost and scarce resources are not used effectively. Therefore, the prioritization of digital initiatives should be centralized and strategic fit a default criterion within your assessment scheme. Relevant KPIs for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of promised benefits should be defined upfront and considered within prioritization.
Implementation Costs
The development of data analytics solutions regularly utilizes agile development methods. Hence, agile approaches encounter traditional controlling and planning processes. As this represents a major paradigm change for traditional companies, new hybrid management structures need to be incorporated, such as agile budgeting and agile contracting.
Depending on the company’s accounting goals, possibilities for capitalization of analytics solutions such as algorithms or datasets should be assessed.
IT Requirements
Investments in IT infrastructure and data architecture per initiative are often disproportionately high. On their own, these initiatives would not be pursued, although their value proposition is positive, and the necessary investments could be used for further applications. Therefore, accountability for the IT infrastructure and data architecture required for analytics solutions should be centralized to enable an overarching evaluation. Furthermore, a step-by-step enhancement of your IT infrastructure and data architecture according to the actual business needs should be considered – usually quick-wins are possible.
Operational Costs
Analytical models need to be constantly revised and regularly retrained based on new data or business requirements, as their accuracy degrades over time. Due to potential flaws within your data or unforeseen events, decisions based on analytical models must be monitored, and their efficacy tracked. Corresponding resources and costs should be allocated in advance.
Operational Revenues
Value propositions of analytic solutions, for example, within the digital marketing context, can usually only be measured by proxies or based on testing. As companies lack experience and empiric data, value contributions for an initial assessment of analytical models must be elaborately derived based on expert estimates and sound assumptions. Attribution of revenues to the responsible department and systematic tracking approaches must be defined up front to be considered within the projects business case.
Key takeaway
Sound calculations based on realistic assumptions for costs over lifetime and value proposition are crucial evaluating data analytic initiatives. Infrastructure investments need to be looked at across the board to avoid sorting out good ideas.
Many digital initiatives look great on paper, especially when viewed from a higher level. However, it is crucial to assess their strategic fit and the potential value they can add to your business. A sound data strategy will help you question all relevant aspects from planning over implementation to production. If you consider them upfront, you can make sure to invest in the most promising initiatives and be able to create additional value for your company.

Prioritization & Selection
Digital initiatives are often dispersed across the company with no central accountability. Ideas are developed and implemented individually by different departments with no coherent digital strategy in mind. Consequently, companies lack transparency, and an overarching prioritization and allocation of resources is not feasible. Potential is lost and scarce resources are not used effectively. Therefore, the prioritization of digital initiatives should be centralized and strategic fit a default criterion within your assessment scheme. Relevant KPIs for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of promised benefits should be defined upfront and considered within prioritization.
Implementation Costs
The development of data analytics solutions regularly utilizes agile development methods. Hence, agile approaches encounter traditional controlling and planning processes. As this represents a major paradigm change for traditional companies, new hybrid management structures need to be incorporated, such as agile budgeting and agile contracting.
Depending on the company’s accounting goals, possibilities for capitalization of analytics solutions such as algorithms or datasets should be assessed.
IT Requirements
Investments in IT infrastructure and data architecture per initiative are often disproportionately high. On their own, these initiatives would not be pursued, although their value proposition is positive, and the necessary investments could be used for further applications. Therefore, accountability for the IT infrastructure and data architecture required for analytics solutions should be centralized to enable an overarching evaluation. Furthermore, a step-by-step enhancement of your IT infrastructure and data architecture according to the actual business needs should be considered – usually quick-wins are possible.
Operational Costs
Analytical models need to be constantly revised and regularly retrained based on new data or business requirements, as their accuracy degrades over time. Due to potential flaws within your data or unforeseen events, decisions based on analytical models must be monitored, and their efficacy tracked. Corresponding resources and costs should be allocated in advance.
Operational Revenues
Value propositions of analytic solutions, for example, within the digital marketing context, can usually only be measured by proxies or based on testing. As companies lack experience and empiric data, value contributions for an initial assessment of analytical models must be elaborately derived based on expert estimates and sound assumptions. Attribution of revenues to the responsible department and systematic tracking approaches must be defined up front to be considered within the projects business case.
Key takeaway
Sound calculations based on realistic assumptions for costs over lifetime and value proposition are crucial evaluating data analytic initiatives. Infrastructure investments need to be looked at across the board to avoid sorting out good ideas.
Many digital initiatives look great on paper, especially when viewed from a higher level. However, it is crucial to assess their strategic fit and the potential value they can add to your business. A sound data strategy will help you question all relevant aspects from planning over implementation to production. If you consider them upfront, you can make sure to invest in the most promising initiatives and be able to create additional value for your company.

Digital data collection offers advantages such as efficiency, diverse data types, seamless management, and improved accessibility and usability. However, concerns include uneven availability of technology, high costs, the need for extensive training, and potential security issues, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration based on the specific context and resources available to the team.

great recommendations

Using digitalized technology has more demerits but then the efficiency of data collection ,easy access and usage are more beneficial to it's users

A reliable system to allows data captures an opportunity to collect massive amounts of data in a very short space of time. There is a wide range of soft wares that can be used to collect data and some are categorized under opensource soft wares whereas others are very expensive in terms of the costs. The organizations need to ensure that the officials to be assigned to using them should undergo a thorough training. Such programs are very flexible and user friendly and the can also be incorporated in GPS to provide location of the user through the provision of the coordinates as well as time spend on a selected area of research. So, data can be encrypted as well for safety sake and can also be easily archived for later use.

The intension and purpose and criteria must be stated, personal experiences must be consider. The pilot stage where the tools are being tested is essential. Analyze and report the results. Reflect and make improvements of processes where necessary. One needs to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how to measure it. What are your learning objectives, outcomes, and standards? What are the skills, knowledge, and attitudes you want to assess?

Technology advancement in recent year has contributed M& E process in constructive way by providing digital tools, skills and knowledge to M&E Staffs. It has definitely made data collection more economic, reliable and less time consuming. However, security of collected data is the main concerns about the use of technology. On the other hand digital poverty, poor digital literacy and digital divide are the key issues that has to be addressed in different parts of the world. It has hindered the full utilization of technology in M&E process.

Very interesting topics.
More concern about the digital method of collecting data.

When choosing digital data collection, it’s important to consider your specific needs and goals. One should always keep the following in mind when choosing the digital choice;
Compatibility: Making sure the tools you choose are compatible with the devices and software your team already knows about.
Ease of use: Looking for tools that are easy to use and that don’t require a lot of training or setup.
Customizability: Considering whether the tools you choose allow you to customize them to meet your specific needs.
Data security: Making sure the tools you choose prioritize data security and protect your students’ personal information.

To assess the digital data collection options for the HAAEA project, we consider the following:
Project specifics: Target audience, data needs, and context.
Digital options: Apps, platforms, SMS, and biometrics.
Assessment criteria: Efficiency, accessibility, security, ethics, and integration.

In most cases, we go with Hybrid approach, pilot testing, training, and continuous monitoring.
We prioritize digital solutions that cater to the specific needs and context of the HAAEA project and its participants for effective and ethical M&E data collection.

To assess the digital data collection options for the HAAEA project, we consider the following:
Project specifics: Target audience, data needs, and context.
Digital options: Apps, platforms, SMS, and biometrics.
Assessment criteria: Efficiency, accessibility, security, ethics, and integration.

In most cases, we go with Hybrid approach, pilot testing, training, and continuous monitoring.
We prioritize digital solutions that cater to the specific needs and context of the HAAEA project and its participants for effective and ethical M&E data collection.

To assess the digital data collection options for the HAAEA project, we consider the following:
Project specifics: Target audience, data needs, and context.
Digital options: Apps, platforms, SMS, and biometrics.
Assessment criteria: Efficiency, accessibility, security, ethics, and integration.

In most cases, we go with Hybrid approach, pilot testing, training, and continuous monitoring.
We prioritize digital solutions that cater to the specific needs and context of the HAAEA project and its participants for effective and ethical M&E data collection.

To assess the digital data collection options for the HAAEA project, we consider the following:
Project specifics: Target audience, data needs, and context.
Digital options: Apps, platforms, SMS, and biometrics.
Assessment criteria: Efficiency, accessibility, security, ethics, and integration.

In most cases, we go with Hybrid approach, pilot testing, training, and continuous monitoring.
We prioritize digital solutions that cater to the specific needs and context of the HAAEA project and its participants for effective and ethical M&E data collection.

To assess the digital data collection options for the HAAEA project, we consider the following:
Project specifics: Target audience, data needs, and context.
Digital options: Apps, platforms, SMS, and biometrics.
Assessment criteria: Efficiency, accessibility, security, ethics, and integration.

In most cases, we go with Hybrid approach, pilot testing, training, and continuous monitoring.
We prioritize digital solutions that cater to the specific needs and context of the HAAEA project and its participants for effective and ethical M&E data collection.

what do you think about collection data, the survey in google forms or the survey in Kobo tool box? what is prefered to use and why ?

For me I think what matters are the availability of resources for the choice of methods for data collecting between digital or paper-based data collecting methods.

Assessing digital choices in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) involves evaluating and selecting appropriate digital tools, technologies, and methods for collecting, managing, and analyzing data throughout the M&E process.

Monitoring and evaluation are two separate but related topics. Monitoring involves using data for regular, periodic decision making. Evaluation involves using data to decide how a program has performed.
Ethical standards ensure that our data collection, management, analysis and use do no harm. M&E professionals can unintentionally harm the same people that they seek to help if they are not mindful.

Efficiency of data collection:

Digital strategies scale easily. In other words, to reach twice as many people, you do not necessarily need to work twice as hard.

Data types:

Digital data collection allows you to record and share a diverse array of data types on a simple feature phone or tablet, including photos, video and audio.

Data management:

Rather than gathering, organizing and storing thousands of sheets of paper, digital data collection can often sync effortlessly with digital databases.

Data access:

If your data is stored in a file cabinet, only one person at a time who is physically present can access that data. Conversely, data captured in a digital form can be accessed instantly and simultaneously by as many people as necessary.

Data use:

Data that is captured and stored digitally is easier to work with. Rather than copying numbers by hand into a calculator or onto a sheet of paper, you can perform many basic data analysis and data visualization processes directly in the data management software.

Uneven availability:

To capture data digitally, you will need consistent access to hardware, software, electricity, cell phone coverage and internet access. While each of these resources is increasingly available, there are still massive gaps in availability between different regions and populations.

Cost:

Mobile phones, computers, tablets, digital databases and data collection software can be expensive to buy, maintain and replace.

Training:

To adopt any new technology, you will need to ensure that local staff is properly trained. This can require technical skills that are difficult to acquire, particularly if you expect staff turnover to be high.

Security:

Whether you are collecting data on paper or on a mobile phone, you will need to ensure that unauthorized people cannot access it. Digital data security solutions can be expensive and can require specialized technical knowledge. On the other hand, putting a padlock on a file cabinet is pretty simple.

The world is now global village because of digital technology. Life has been made easy due to presence of technology.
Even data collection, data processing and data storage has been made easy. apart from that even the quality has improved due to digital

Despite the concerns/disadvantages with Digital Choices, I'll encourage data collection in this mode.

Currently, we work SMART, not HARD. This helps us to reduce complications where it's existing. Remember after the use of paper data collection in the field, staff return in office to queue in same data.
This consumes much time.
Delays report generation
Double storage as both the physical file and database take up space and time.
Data access is faster in digital system than flipping through papers to search a particular information. Staff will run a simple command.

This doesn't ignore the concerns about cost, technical skills and availability. They are all considered before venturing in digital data collections.

A working knowledge on how to access data and use it properly for information gathering is a very important aspect of M&E, This module has highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of digital methods of data use.
When choosing to use digital methods of data collection a number of factors should be put into consideration and once all of those are done the data process has an improved chance of being successful.

Access to digital means of data collection encompasses various tools and technologies used to gather, store, and analyze data in digital formats. These methods have become increasingly prevalent due to the widespread adoption of digital devices and the internet. Here are some common examples:

Online Surveys and Forms: Platforms like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, and Typeform allow users to create and distribute surveys and forms digitally. Responses are collected and stored electronically, facilitating easy analysis.

Mobile Data Collection Apps: Mobile apps designed for data collection enable users to gather information using smartphones or tablets. These apps can capture various data types, including text, images, and GPS coordinates, and often work offline, syncing data when an internet connection is available.

Sensor Networks: Internet of Things (IoT) devices equipped with sensors can collect data automatically in real-time. These sensors can monitor environmental conditions, equipment performance, and other parameters, providing valuable insights for various applications.

Web Scraping: Automated tools can extract data from websites and online sources. Web scraping is commonly used to gather information from multiple sources for analysis or integration into other systems.

Social Media Monitoring Tools: Businesses and organizations use tools to monitor and analyze social media platforms for mentions, trends, and sentiment analysis. This data can inform marketing strategies, brand management, and customer engagement efforts.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot collect and organize customer data from various sources, including interactions, transactions, and communication channels. This data helps businesses manage relationships and improve customer experiences.

Data Logging and Telemetry: In fields like science, engineering, and manufacturing, data logging and telemetry systems collect and transmit data from remote locations or equipment in real-time. This data is crucial for monitoring performance, identifying issues, and optimizing processes.

Data Warehousing and Analytics Platforms: Platforms like Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, and Snowflake provide infrastructure for storing and analyzing large volumes of data. They offer tools for data integration, transformation, and visualization, enabling organizations to derive insights from their data.

APIs and Integrations: Many software applications provide APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that allow developers to access and integrate data programmatically. Integrating data from multiple sources enables comprehensive analysis and reporting.

Blockchain Technology: Blockchain offers a decentralized and secure way to record and verify transactions and data. It's used in various industries, including finance, supply chain management, and healthcare, to ensure data integrity and transparency.

There is need to manage data and also there is need to transaition from paperwork data to digital data collection methods.