Frequently Asked Questions

Software requirements for using Mobilize technology

Q: “What are the Minimum device and software requirement to participate in the Mobilize project?”

A: Please visit Requirements for this information.


Blank page from LAUSD system at Mobilize frontend

Q: When I try to log in to the Mobilize frontend from an LAUSD school system, the page does not load (is blank). Is there a way I can resolve this?

A: Yes. This issue is because of the LAUSD firewall. LAUSD has provided instructions for installing their root certificate for many different browsers here. Additionally, if you have any trouble installing this certificate or need help, the central LAUSD ITD requests that you open a support ticket or call their help desk line. They will send a technician to your location in order to resolve the issue. You can take a look at their ticket system here or call their help line directly at (213) 241-5200 and select option 2 for computer help.


Missing Data on the web frontend

Q: Students have submitted surveys, but the student doesn't see their data on the web frontend.

A: If a student happens not to see their response on the web frontend, it is likely that the response is in the 'upload queue' waiting to be uploaded. Have the student visit the upload queue and tap 'upload now'. Note: if a survey is located in the upload queue on a device or browser, it has NOT been uploaded yet, and therefore will not show up in the web frontend.


Q: Students could see the data on the Responses tab, but not the plots on the browsers.

A: Please make sure that students change the state of their own responses from 'private' (the default state) to 'shared.' You as the teacher can also change those privacy states to 'shared' for your students. To do this, log on to the Web Frontend, choose the “Responses” tab, and click “Edit Responses” located on the top left corner of the page.


Modify existing/default campaigns.

Q: When I created a class, I was automatically given campaigns to use. Can I modify/delete these?

A: Because these campaigns have special dashboards created for their data, please do *not* modify them. If you do not plan to use them, you can set their running state to “stopped” so students do not see it. If you'd like to change the questions, please download the campaign and upload your changed version with a *new* urn and name, to differentiate it from the original campaign. Failure to do this (eg. replacing the existing campaign) may result the inability to use some of the dashboard offerings.


Browser-based survey taking trouble.

Q: My students are experiencing issues when trying to take surveys via the browser survey taking tool.

A: When these issues occur, please contact our technical support, as we'd really like to help in resolving these issues. Provide as MUCH information (e.g. login ID, phone platform, browser information, etc.) as possible regarding the issue in order to expedite responses!!


Survey photos in the documents tab

Q: Some students uploaded their photos as documents (under Document tab), is this right?

A: Document upload is not a proper channel for students to upload their data. Please direct your students to use the survey taking tool available on phones or desktop browsers for their data collection exercise. The survey taking tool on the browser will prompt students to upload a photo, instead of taking a photo.


Q: Why do I need to complete the consent forms?

A: As part of the Mobilize project, students will be pioneering a new and exciting ECS curriculum (namely unit 5) that brings in computation thinking concepts, hands-on data collection using smart phones and data analysis, all of which are important in the current modern digital world. In this curriculum, students will have an option of using your own smartphones or borrow Mobilize smartphones to do data collection. We will also be providing you with a web-based tool for doing data analysis. However, in order to participate in any part of this unit, students are required to fill out consent forms. The consent form package contains detail information about the project and what students, teachers and the Mobilize project team will be doing. It is very important that students and parents look over the forms and get them all signed. To make it easier, all the signature pages are printed on green paper.


Using students' devices

Q: Why should I use my own smartphone in the Mobilize project?

A: With your own phone, you don't need to carry or be responsible for an additional device. Since you will always have your phone with you, this allows you to collect data as often as you want. The data usage is very minimal (See the Q&A below).


Q: How much data will the Mobilize phone app use?

A: The amount of data the app uses depends on the number of surveys and images. It shouldn't need more than 5MB for 80 surveys with images. However, if you are concerned about your data plan usage, you can go to ohmage setting and set the app to only upload surveys using Wifi. Please note that this setting is not available on IOS devices.


Q: What should I do if I have an ipod touch but no wifi access at home?

A: Students with their own devices need to have access to either the data plan or wifi access at home. If you don't, we would recommend you to borrow a Mobilize phone to do your data collection.


Q: How do I install apps on my android or iOS device?

A: Please take a look at these great tutorials provided by external parties for details on getting apps installed on your iOS or Android device. Once you've done that, you can follow the process specifically for our apps: iOS, Android.


No devices: browser-based data collection

Q: Can I still collect some data if I don't have a smartphone and cannot borrow one from the Mobilize project?

A: Yes. You can provide survey data through a web browser on a desktop in your school or home. However, your data will have inaccurate or no location information. You will also have to upload an image file instead of taking a picture directly from a smartphone camera.


Print/export