Do the presentation (adaptations) too late (again).

Expect good Internet connection in the (National Park info center) premises (download everything you can before training)

Expect things will go smoothly and on time (Prepare example template databases close to subjects relevant for the participants - "quickstart" and easier to explain)

Allow the discussion to take a bad turn (unproductive/conflict inciting).

Power point presentations on: 1. General information about cartography, GPS, practical use of mobile databases etc. and 2. Installation, setup and use of the apps.

Personal (trainer) mobile device capable of running the apps the training is intended for. The device also has the ability to connect to the projector if needed or to screen share on PC/laptop (for indirect casting to PC+PC video to projector).

Prepared video (as backup to the second power point presentation, displaying the installation, setup and use processes).

* Online training has same requirements but no option for direct assistance

Make sure to require all participants have Android OS mobile devices. Collect participants' Android Gmail emails.

Venue/conference room with a projector and computer (Copy all data needed on USB stick/external HD) or ready personal (trainer) laptop with presentation ready and locally stored files for sharing are in a (WiFi) shared folder

Install (and customize) apps for training on personal (trainer) mobile device. Install screen casting software to trainer mobile device.

Bring suitable USB cable(s) (ex. 2 x type C + 1 type micro-usb) for faster data transfer (PC to mobile and laptop to mobile, if participants don't manage to copy the needed files on their own devices on their own)

Preset a WiFi router (if case Wi-Fi with access to network devices enabled (Secure/private) is unavailable on the premises)

Upload all files needed for the training and the participants on the cloud, too as it is more practical for larger groups and for participants with non-poor technical skills

Apps not available for Iphone/IPad users - no good solution regarding the training. Offer similar apps at end of training, or using alternate Androis OS device.

No Google Playstore for Huawei users - must download and install the app(s) manually.

Participant devices too old (too slow, or OS too old) - find older versions of the apps, if possible

Electrical engineer (IT) working on nature protection, as an NGO employee, specialty in GIS

Working with/on mobile databases quite a while, but don't consider myself a "database expert"

Working on the protection of the Balkan lynx and other endangered species all my career. Plenty of fieldwork experience

I love nature, your region is beautiful!

I will help you with the start of the fieldwork data collection process, it is your task to actually do it

You can ask for my assistance after the training if issues arise. It is better if you can solve the issues on your own or with your colleagues

Short presentation of basic concepts (coordinate systems, geographic projections, GPS devices, paper maps, relevant local/national information)

Short introduction of the mobile database app and the GPS handheld replacement app and what can you do with them (PowerPoint and/or direct display of practical use on trainer mobile device, potential usage scenarios etc.)

Participants install the apps on their mobile devices. Provide assistance where/if needed. Optionally, copy and/or download offline maps for the GPS handheld app (use usb connection if wifi sharing fails)

Coffee break+Relaxed and open ("round table") discussion about the participants' experiences on the field, interesting encounters etc. Jokes are encouraged (I would have never thought of finger-wrestling type of energizers, but I'm open for new ideas)

Subtly and in a friendly manner guide the conversation towards asking questions about their expectations, and their institution's expectations from them, within the context of the training, trying to get information on what would they need the database for, i.e the information that would be useful to record, which format would be most suitable, what scale or detail of the data, etc...

design mobile database template based on gathered information, with participants' contribution (edit a previously prepared template)

Share the template among the participants

On screen instructions on database customization options, including sharing/changing the DB among the participants

Improve mobile db structure based on second feedback, after the fieldwork test

Did you manage to follow the training and the instructions?

Did you manage to install the apps?

Did you manage to customize the app settings and maps?

Could you repeat the steps on your own?

Are you happy with the final look of the mobile database? Is something missing?

Is there something that could be done differently to improve the training?

If number of participants allows it, a direct quick check of the mobile devices on hand after the training

Google form or other online questionnaire, ~6 questions may be suitable for larger groups or for online training (less time consuming, but also less reliable, in comparison)

Fieldwork test of the devices on a 15-30 minute light hike nearby. Maybe have a meal out in the open (if possible), to give the participants more time to dabble the apps, in a relaxed atmosphere, ask more questions.

Ask participants to make different types of entries, to get a practical "feel" of the app while using it

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