How the Online Educator Training Works

The Dangerous Decibels Online training consists of 11 modules, each approximately 15-45 minutes to complete. Each module is presented using interactive content that introduces hearing health concepts and the Dangerous Decibels classroom program. Each online training module contains 3-5 concepts. Curiosity questions will be included throughout to help you cement your learning along the way. Don’t worry — it’s fun! Helpful hints and explanations are provided!

When you complete one concept within a training module, then the next concept will be unlocked. Your progress through the training is reflected by progress bars within each module. Once all the concepts within a module have been completed, see how much you learned and earn a badge for completing that module!

You will have 90 days to complete all the modules and finish the training. You can pause the training at any time, and log back in to resume where you left off.

Preview the modules
Meet the Dangerous Decibels Team
More about how the Online Training works
Frequently Asked Questions
Daniel King
The Dangerous Decibels Online Training gave me the confidence to go into a classroom feeling prepared and ready to influence young minds!

- Daniel King
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Modules

The full online Dangerous Decibels Educator Training consists of the following modules:

1. How Common is the ProblemNoise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus affects people of all ages.
2. The Science of SoundExplore how sound is created and the physical properties that make each sound unique.
3. The Science of HearingLearn the anatomy of our ears, how we hear and how loud sound can break our ears.
4. Safe or    DangerousSound makes our lives vibrant, but it can also be dangerous.
5. Strategies to Hear for a LifetimeFollowing three simple strategies can help you to hear for a lifetime.
6. Dangerous Decibels Program in ActionEnjoy a video of the classroom program and learn delivery details from the Program Guide.
7. Dangerous Decibels Program Walk-ThroughThe classroom program — let’s break it down into a few manageable steps!
8. Connecting with Your AudiencePractice and learning to connect with your audience is key to a successful and fun experience.
9. Extending Your ReachUsing boosters such as Jolene, will extend the Dangerous Decibels messaging into your community.
10. ResourcesAll the Dangerous Decibels resources in one place for easy access in the future.
11. Course Wrap-UpCelebrate your accomplishments!

11. Beyond the ClassroomChange hearing health behavior in your own community.

6. Dangerous Decibels InterventionWhy it is effective in changing knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviors.
7. Classroom  ProgramThe classroom program — let’s break it down into a few manageable steps!
8. Program Delivery Practical MattersYou can successfully deliver the Dangerous Decibels program by being prepared.
9. Connecting with StudentsConnecting with your audience is the key to a fun and smooth presentation.

10. Are You  ReadyOur checklist will help you to be ready. So will a little practice!

The Dangerous Decibels® Team

Meet those behind the training.

Head shot of Dr. Deanna Meinke
Dr. Deanna Meinke
Co-Director
Head shot of Dr. Billy Martin
Dr. Billy Martin
Co-Director
Head shot of John Brigande, Ph.D
Dr. John Brigande
Instructor
Head shot of Dr. Don Finan
Dr. Don Finan
Jolene Support
Head shot of Stephanie Fleckenstein
Dr. Stephanie Fleckenstein
Co-Director
Head shot of Susan Griest
Susan Griest, MPH.
Instructor
Head shot of Danielle Kelsay
Danielle Kelsay, M.A.
Educator
Head shot of Nashrah Maamor, Ph.D
Dr. Nashrah Maamor
Course Instructor
Head shot of Ted Madison, M.A
Ted Madison, M.A.
Instructor
Head shot of Dr. Ravi Reddy
Dr. Ravi Reddy
Instructor
Head shot of Dr. Judith L. Sobel
Dr. Judith L. Sobel
Instructor
Head shot of Dr. David Welch
Dr. David Welch
Instructor

Individual Partnerships

The Dangerous Decibels program was originally developed in 1999 through collaborative partnerships between the Oregon Health & Science University and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry with funding and dissemination support by numerous organizations over the years. ​​

Today, Dangerous Decibels continues to be researched and disseminated by the individual instructors who contributed to this online training program and our colleagues in other countries who share the passion to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

How the Online Training Works

Before the Training

Dangerous Decibels kit
After you register, you will receive a sample Dangerous Decibels Classroom Kit in the mail. This kit supplies you with samples of the materials and instruments you will need to complete the training.

During the Training

Curiosity Questions
Throughout the training modules you will see some questions in the upper right corner of your screen. These curiosity questions will help to cement the concepts you are learning about. Don’t worry — we will provide helpful hints and explanations!
Sample badge

Earning Badges
At the end of each module, you will earn a badge for completion of that topic. At the end of the training, you will have earned 11 badges, and will have the chance to earn a certificate certifying you as a Dangerous Decibels Educator.

Troubleshooting
If you have challenges along the way, click on the question mark icon at the top right corner. Answers to common questions are provided. You can reach out to our support team at help@dangerousdecibels.com should you get stuck or have additional questions.

Pausing
If you need to pause your training, simply log out by clicking on your user icon in the upper right corner of the screen. When you log back in, you can proceed where you left off. Don’t worry, if you forget your password, you will have the chance to reset it!

After the Training

After you’ve completed the full training, you will be able to log back in any time for future reference.

Once you have completed the training and are ready to deliver the Dangerous Decibels Classroom Program, visit Resources to access the materials used in the program.

People celebrating

Frequently Asked Questions

Before the Training

Training Objectives/Goals

The goal of the Online Dangerous Decibels® Educator Training curriculum is to provide a practical and detailed training that will prepare and equip teachers, high school students, and others interested in delivering the Dangerous Decibels Program to youth in their schools and communities. A secondary goal is to provide a strong foundation in the science of sound and hearing to increase a learner’s knowledge and understanding of the physical properties of sound that can be directly applied to science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) in the context of public health concepts (promotion of hearing health). Satisfactorily completing the Online Dangerous Decibels Educator® Training modules will enable YOU to become a certified Dangerous Decibels® Educator.

How does the training work?

You can begin the training whenever you like after you receive confirmation of your registration. You will have up to 90 days from the date of registration to complete the training. The training is self-directed, so you may work at your own pace. There are 11 modules total, each with 3-5 concepts. There will be curiosity questions along the way to help cement your knowledge, along with helpful hints! At the end of each module you will earn a badge of completion and the next module will be unlocked. When you have completed all the modules, you will have the opportunity to earn a certificate to be a Dangerous Decibels Educator.

System Requirements

You must have broadband internet access, a non-shared email, a desktop or laptop computer running Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X operating system. You may also use a tablet computer. You may use any of these web browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Apple Safari. You must have the latest version of Adobe Flash or an HTML5 compliant browser.

Can I take the training course on a mobile device (iPad, smartphone, etc.)?

You may take the course on a mobile device, although it is recommended that you access it on a laptop or desktop browser. If using a mobile device, you may also experience trouble with, and have limited access to some documents.

Can I access the course from multiple devices?

Yes, you can access the course from multiple devices, as long as you have your username and password available. Go to http://www.dangerousdeibels-onlineeducatortraining.com to access the course.

How do I register for the training?

Registration is quick and easy. Fill out the Registration Form.

When will I receive my Dangerous Decibels Kit?

Your kit will be mailed within one-week of registration to the address that you provided. You can complete training module #1 while you await your kit. The kit is useful to have in hand for module #2.

What if I have a question about the course?

You may email your question to dd@unco.edu.

How long do I have to complete the training?

Your course will remain active for up to 90 days after your registration. After this time period, you’ll no longer have access to the modules, only the resources.

What if it has been over 90 days since I started the training?

If it’s been over 90 days since you started the course, please email dd@unco.edu.

My login isn’t working. How do I reset my password?

Visit http://dangerousdecibels.org/AccountLogin.aspx and click the link underneath the login fields. There you will have an option to reset your password and have a new one emailed to the email address you registered with.

I’m logged in, but I can’t watch the video.

Make sure you have the latest Adobe Flash Player plugin installed for your browser or are using an HTML5 compliant browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer. Check to make sure your computer can access the internet. Make sure you using your broadband service. Make sure you are not streaming any other content from the internet. You may need to restart your browser or clear its cache.

I see the video playing, but can’t hear it.

Check the volume setting on your computer. If you are using headphones or ear buds make sure they are properly plugged in. If you are using desktop speakers make sure they are properly plugged in and they are turned up if they have a volume control. Make sure you are not streaming any other content from the internet. You may need to restart your browser or clear its cache.