Madeleine J. Kerr, PhD and her team have developed an interactive, multimedia computer-based hearing protection training program for construction workers to meet the goals of her study.
The research version (v. 1.0) includes both experimental and control programs. The experimental program provides the participant with individually tailored health messages. Computer algorithms match specific health messages to the individual's responses to survey items measuring concepts from the theoretical model. The program uses a video game format and an espionage story line to engage the worker in the training. The research version of the program contains four components.
1. Introduction and Consent
A narrator describes the research and the participant responds yes or no to consent for answers to be used in the research.
2. Survey
Participants respond to survey items measuring concepts from the PUHPM.
3. OSHA Training
Participants receive hearing conservation training as specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95) for industrial workers. For example, the program explains basic ear anatomy, the effect of loud noise on that anatomy and how workers can protect themselves.
4. Tailored Training
This module differs depending on experimental or control status of the participant. Experimental training involves messages tailored to the participants response to survey items. Control training delivers generic messages on selected topics from the tailored training. For example, all participants are allowed to choose what type of hearing protection device they will be trained to use, but only participants using the experimental version get messages tailored to their trade and concerns as defined by the PUHPM-based questions.
The Ear Force program has four main messages that it conveys to the user through both the OSHA Training and Tailored Training sections. In delivering each of these messages, the underlying theme of the program is that the worker must be--and can be--empowered to act to protect against noise induced hearing loss (NIHL).
- Loud noises may be anywhere at the user's work place.
- Loud noise can cause hearing loss.
- The individual worker can use hearing protection to prevent NIHL.
- Directions on how the individual can use these tools to prevent NIHL.
Pros of the Program
One significant aspect to the Ear Force program is that it uses real-life examples to demonstrate the users risk for noise exposure. As the user progresses, the program offers video, audio and graphics of real work situations. These situations are tailored to the user's trade during experimental training. At some points, the user is asked to determine the safety of the noise level. The response is followed by specific noise data about that situation.
Another added advantage to this program is its activity and interactivity. The user is not allowed to sit by as a passive observe; instead the user must complete various tasks to move on, thereby engaging in the material being presented. At the same time, the user is exposed to information through text, verbal, audio and visual formats. The variety of media involved helps to address a variety of different learning styles.
In addition, Dr. Kerr expects tailoring messages to the individual to be more effective than existing training in producing safe work behavior. The acceptance of computer-based training among the construction workers demonstrates not only the feasibility of this new mode of safety training, but also its potential for increased cost effectiveness over other training media and approaches. Developing a marketable product, using both CD-ROM and web distribution, out of the research product will bring effective and readily available training to a large portion of the work force.
Cons of the Program
Right now, the largest difficulty with the program is that it requires a fairly powerful computer to run it effectively. However, technologies designed to ease the use of multimedia over the web will make it possible to run this program (or parts of it) over the internet. These same technologies can also be applied to CD-ROM delivery, making for faster, less demanding files.
