This two-part workshop focused on data collection in community settings using the direct observation SOPARC (System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities) and provided practice for using iSOPARC – an innovative iPad application for collecting and storing SOPARC data. In addition to standard SOPARC data on physical activity, iSOPARC permits the collection and exportation of photos, and enables the identification, mapping, and spatial area calculation of target areas using the iPad’s GPS technology. Workshop participants learned the basic operation of iSOPARC and how the application can be used for large and small research projects. The first part of the workshop focused on the SOPARC approach for data collection on physical activity an area characteristics, followed by an introduction on the use of the iSOPARC application for iPads. Participants were taught the basic functions of iSOPARC using video examples of various physical activity settings.  Participants experienced real-life data collection using iSOPARC in outdoor settings. Following data collection practice, participants viewed their data in real time by uploading their observations.