<< Back to About the IML Mission The main mission of the Interactive Media Lab is the development of advanced distributed learning for the medical and public health communities. As we move into this age of ever-increasing technology and networking ability, we have directed our educational research and development towards the evolving Internet. The recent trends in the evolution of the Internet have added new possibilities in long-distance education: Bandwidth is increasing -- predominant method of education is evolving from the traditional print-medium and passive learning to true multimedia (with good motion video) and interactive learning. Interfaces are changing -- once browser-dominated, interfaces are becoming more immersive and educationally appropriate. Supporting technologies are getting better and easier to apply -- once a specialized activity by a few educators, education via the Internet has become a common activity used by many educators. Educational models are evolving -- once passive with limited interactivity (e.g. documents, LOD), education has become more experiential, and more active and interactive (with integrated learning environments). IML is a leader in public health preparedness IML is a part of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Domestic Preparedness'  Program on Counter-Terrorism Preparedness and Training