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The ISTAR remote collaboration module provides the means for enabling distance teaching, learning, and working. An important part of the work involved in the design of a building is done in collaboration. Traditionally, such a collaboration required participants to be co-located. Later, technological evolution introduced synchronous and asynchronous means of communication, such as fax machines, telex, and phone. More recently, other forms of communication emerged such as e-mail, video-conferencing, and Web-based applications. The goal of this lab is to study how such new forms of communication affect and should be used for effective design collaboration.

This module includes several wide spread desktop solutions for videoconference through IP, and one mobile larger unit that enables both IP and ISDN communication. It possess a large plasma screen, a document camera, an electronic whiteboard, an LCD projector, and multiple possibilities of connection to video cameras, desktops, laptos, etc. The unit can be easily transported to any room in the department that has IP and/or ISDN connections.

In addition, it is possible to use the IST videoconference room located at IST Congress Center and have access to the network of videconference rooms that includes several universities (U. Aveiro, U. Minho, U. Évora e U. Algarve).