This overview traces the development of the IML's digital learning programmes - from the first interactive CD-ROM through web-based platforms to MedSurf 2.0 - the current curriculum-based platform.
It highlights technological milestones, didactic concepts, teamwork and current innovations - illustrating how the programme has become a central component of the digital learning landscape in medical education at the University of Bern.

Since its founding, the IML has provided video production services for the Faculty of Medicine in Bern as well as for numerous external clients. The professionally equipped video studio offers ideal conditions for producing learning media, webinars, examination videos for the federal examination, and many other applications.

What has evolved into today’s comprehensive digital learning ecosystem began with the classic CD-ROM. At a time when fast Internet connections were still rare, locally installed learning programmes provided access to medical knowledge - interactive, multimedia-based and independent of time and place. At the IML, we produced around 50 different CD-ROM projects, with a total print run of over 30,000 copies.

As technology advanced, the next logical step was the transition to web-based learning platforms. This shift opened entirely new possibilities - not only for the availability and updatability of content, but also for collaboration, personalised content, and the integration of multimedia elements. The IML’s first web-based platform was StudMed, a role now fulfilled by Ilias.

Early on, the IML lauchend «lighthouse projects» that continue to play a central role in digital learning today. Under the common product line Surf – inspired by surfing the World Wide Web, a series of specialised modules were created: CliniSurf, RadioSurf, HemoSurf, DentoSurf, and UroSurf. Over the years, these have become key players in medical e-learning. They provide students and medical professionals with in-depth insights into clinical processes, imaging procedures or medical conditions - always at the forefront of didactics and technology.

Through continuous adaptation, the Surf series evolved into the MedSurf Author authoring system - a platform designed specifically to meet the needs of content creators. MedSurf Author offers author-centred editing through a user-friendly, web-based interface. Complementing it, the MedSurf Viewer complements MedSurf Author as the viewing platform for students.

MedSurf was initially launched with the production of content for MorphoMed, an interactive learning environment for morphology in medicine, covering anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology, virtual microscope, pathology and radioanatomy. In this way. MedSurf combines technological flexibility with rich, in-depth content, offering optimum conditions for the efficient creation and maintenance of high-quality teaching and learning materials.

MedSurf 2.0 has long since evolved beyond a mere authoring tool to become the centrepiece of a comprehensive learning ecosystem. Developed and maintained by an interdisciplinary team of computer scientists, UX designers and educationalists, it enables targeted content delivery for defined user groups. In 2025, several key features were introduced: a new rights distribution system, integration of a web shop, foundations for multilingual support, a dedicated support platform, and significant advancements in the use of interactive videos.

The e-learning platform for communication training was developed with funding from the Novartis Foundation for People and the Environment as part of an international collaboration. Since then, the IML has continuously expanded the platform with new modules in cooperation with clinical partners. Designed for flexible use, the platform increasingly supports interprofessional communication training in a blended learning format across basic, advanced and continuing education. The modules portray various patient communication scenarios. DocCom.Deutsch is also well established as a key learning resource within communication training courses at the Faculty of Medicine in Bern and in numerous faculties across the DACH region.

Frontliners is the latest e-learning platform developed through national funding and collaboration. It aims to provide primary care professionals - including doctors, pharmacists and nurses - with high-quality access to information, advice and care in the field of precision medicine.

While ILIAS serves as the central learning management system primarily for organisational processes, course materials and communication within courses, MedSurf functions as  a specialised learning platform focused on interactive and multimedia content.

A distinctive feature of all our developments is the close integration with academic work. Numerous contents and new modules are created within the framework of media dissertations or media master's theses, supported by the IML’s didactic expertise. Students work in close cooperation with medical practitioners. This has led, among other achievements, to the development of a comprehensive learning platform for hand surgery, curricularly integrated and highly effective modules in pathology, and entirely new teaching formats such as Inquiry-Based Education. This close collaboration enables the direct transfer of the latest findings of learning and teaching research directly into clinical practice.

The production of modern learning media builds on a long tradition, continuously evolving technical expertise, and an open attitude towards technological change – and, not least, on close teamwork. Specialists from various fields contribute their expertise: the mediamatics team, the video team, didacticians, medical experts, computer scientists, and UX design professionals.

MedSurf is currently entering a new chapter: Two ongoing media dissertations are dedicated to the implementation of interactive videos. These innovative formats enable learners not only to passively view content, but also to actively make decisions, influence clinical processes and thereby gain an even deeper understanding of medical contexts.