Distance collaboration and distributed work face the cahllenges of communication, co-ordination and shared understanding. Past research tells us that ICT facilitates collaboration but only as a complement to face-to-face interactions, for certain things at certain times.

However, the Lambda Rail provides collaborative technologies that are a departure from what others have studied before (internet, e.mail, videoconference, telephone, correspondence). This "big pipe" terascale computing proposes real-time, high definitiion communication and remote access to experimental facilities at a speed that is a different scale of possibility.

We will be addressing communication and meeting patterns in terms of spontaneous vs. planned exchanges. The Lambda Rail is anticipated to provide a richer meeting experience but we will consider to what extent this advantage is mitigated by its planned (rather than spontaneous) nature. Moreover, we will capture how and when researchers use the different layers of ICT-mediating technology in supporting their collaborative work. This strategic use of models for interaction reflects a capabilities development in the practice of collaboration.

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Collaboration across distance
Big Pipe Communication
Learning Paths
Method
Research Team