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The Southend Campus iLab in action
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About the iLab
The iLab is a dedicated space in which groups use
collaborative software and are supported by facilitation techniques,
generating a large number of ideas in a short amount of time, expanding
their thinking, and evaluating and agreeing actions. It is a unique
combination. The electronic meetings software ensures that ideas can be
shared quickly and anonymously. Facilitation is crucial in ensuring that the
session is managed effectively and the group reaches a successful outcome.
The space itself is a circular space equipped with 16 networked computers.
Large Plasma screens at either end of the room show the facilitators
display. The walls are made of whiteboard and both the heating, light and
background sound can be controlled to create the right ambience for users.
The design is based on the Innovation Laboratory which was set up in Rugby by the
Royal Mail Research Group to bring together technology and creativity in a
single environment.
The Royal Mail
iLab
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The absorption of the original iLab idea into an academic/research/business
support environment is continuously evolving, and the University of Essex
Southend iLab brings together high quality facilitation, new technology and
software, academic research and techniques, along with the excellent
business support services provided by the Business Hub.
The future holds even more potential, as along with the building of an
exciting new campus building in Southend, will come a brand new iLab -
incorporating the latest technology, in the first 2nd Generation iLab in
the country.
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The iLab at the Colchester
Campus
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The benefits of having access to an iLab have had such an impact at the
University of Essex, that it has invested in a second lab, located at it's
Colchester campus.
The University is currently researching methods of delivering the iLab
experience in two or more locations at the same time. The University is also
working with The Link Centre for Deafened People, to adapt facilitation
techniques for deaf or deafened people - as well as empowering the
organisation to be able to communicate with its network of members across
the country.
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