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Can we develop compelling distance learning experiences that
are more than "lectures over television" ?
Can we create inexpensive solutions that allow
people with health problems to be robustly cared for over a
distance and have a better quality of life no matter where they
reside ?
Can we combine communication technologies and architectural
design to create new kinds of work and living spaces that
span multiple geographical locations ?
Can we create new systems that enable distributed knowledge
and expertise to be aggregated and exploited more seamlessly ?
Can we devise new modes of communication that enable distant
family members and loved-ones to feel a greater sense of
awareness and togetherness between each other ?
Can we invent new ways to share our expressions and
experiences with those who are physically or culturally distant
from us, and to archive these records for the benefit of
generations in the far future ?
* * *
Distance Lab is a creative research institute that is bringing
together technology, design and the arts to overcome the disadvantages
of distance in learning, health care,
relationships, culture and other domains. By tackling
questions like those listed above, the Lab aims to be at the
international forefront of innovation in digital media and
communication technologies.
Inspired by the culture of the MIT Media Lab, Distance
Lab is developing an interdisciplinary work environment full of
radically creative scientists, designers, artists, and engineers from
all over the world. The Lab places emphasis on building working
prototypes and demonstrations of new technologies and channeling these
into new products and services in the global marketplace.
Distance Lab wishes to have a significant and positive effect in
the world, both intellectually and commercially. Unlike conventional
academic institutes, Distance Lab is a private company,
enabling it to operate at the clockspeed expected by industry.
Nevertheless, the Lab is also an active participant in the
international academic research community.
Distance Lab offers partnership
programmes for companies and organisations that want to tap
directly into the Lab's know-how and research outputs. In addition to
its self-directed activity, the Lab also provides specific advisory
services and engages in innovative contracted projects in a
broad range of technology and design development areas.
Though it gains inspiration from regional problems and
opportunities, Distance Lab aspires to have an impact in people's
lives and in businesses no matter where in the world they reside. The
Lab is open to developing alliances, partnerships, and other forms of
activity together with other organizations anywhere in the world.
The Lab is developing experimental learning opportunities and
workshops that overlap and complement its research activity. The Lab
also adheres to a high environmental standard, doing business
without paper as often as possible and developing technologies that
use energy efficiently and that employ materials produced in an
environmentally-friendly manner.
Distance Lab was launched in January 2007 in the Highlands and
Islands of Scotland. The Lab is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Highlands and Islands
Enterprise, an economic development agency covering the north
and west of Scotland.
Read the press release about the launch of the Lab...
Distance Lab Operating Plan FY 2008-09
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