Start Your First Data Collection Session

Begin tracking behaviors and skills in 4 minutes. Configure sessions, collect real-time data.

4 min Updated December 9, 2025

Start a Session

Select a student from your list and tap New Session.

Alternative: You can also start sessions from scheduled appointments. See Schedule to learn more.

Session configuration screen showing end time, reminder, and behavior selection

Session end (optional) - Set estimated end time to receive a notification when reached (session continues until manually stopped)
Advance reminder (optional) - Receive an additional notification X minutes before the end time
Session setting (optional) - Choose the service setting for the session. Settings can filter available behaviors and skills.
Select behaviors/skills to track - Choose which targets to monitor during this session
Tap Start to begin data collection

See Observation Settings to set defaults, limit behaviors and skills by setting, and filter graphs or reports by setting.

Active session showing behavior tiles with counts, timers, and session controls

How you interact with each behavior/skill card depends on its recording method (Frequency, Duration, Latency, etc.).

See Recording Methods for detailed instructions on how each method works.

Key features:

Tap to record - Tap behavior/skill cards to track occurrences. For timed methods (Duration, Latency), tap again to stop the timer
Visual timer - Built-in timer for reinforcers, transitions, or activities (displays full-screen as a visual aid for clients)
Real-time notes - Add observations and context during the session
Long-press to undo - Long-press any card to delete the last event-no need to leave the session to fix mistakes
Stop when done - Tap the stop button ⏹️ to end the session and review your data

See Active Session Tools for tile reordering, timer configuration, and additional tools.

After collecting data:

Questions about data collection sessions? Email support@tallyflex.com for assistance.