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ILI

The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) promotes intercultural understanding and diverse communities by providing high-quality language instruction and teacher training.

You are here: Home / News / #ILITips&Tricks: Staying Focused for Online Learning

March 11, 2021

#ILITips&Tricks: Staying Focused for Online Learning

#ILITips&Tricks:  Staying Focused for Online Learning

Over the past year, many of us have spent more time in front of a computer than ever before. Whether it be for work, school, or social reasons; remaining connected in our current climate has increased the amount of screen-time in our lives. We look forward to when we are all together again in downtown Northampton, MA studying at the International Language Institute of Massachusetts, but we are grateful for the ways we have all stayed connected in the meantime. Whether you are joining us online for our World Language Program, Workplace Training, TESOL Training, Free English Program, or another online course, we believe online learning is a GREAT and vital resource, now more than ever. In reflecting on the realities of virtual education, we are sharing some of our personal methods for staying focused, productive, and happy while online learning.

1. Develop a routine & create a specific space to participate in your learning.

Whether it is an office, a corner of your living room, or your dining room table- setting up this space will reinforce your routine and help you transition to and from a “work-time” mindset when it is time to do so. Your home is a special place, and separating where you relax and unwind from your productive space is extremely beneficial.

2. Stay hydrated and remember to take lunch and snack breaks.

Your mind will be clearer and you will have the fuel to help take on what comes your way! Being well-hydrated is proven to improve your cognition and mood.

3. Take screen breaks and stretch.

With increased screen time, it is natural to experience fatigue, headaches, and neck aches- make sure your body is happy! Going for walks, yoga, practicing mindfulness or meditation techniques, and adjusting your posture while sitting can all help decrease these effects.Though debated amongst some, Blue Light Glasses have been said to have helped some with headaches, eyestrain, and restful sleep. Look into different practices and take note of what makes you and your body feel good!

4. Create lists, charts, or write in a journal!

This helps keep you on track AND is a great tangible item to refer to that shows you the work you are doing and the progress you are making. Even a simple “To-Do” list written on a scrap piece of paper has the potential to increase your motivation and physically checking off each task or goal is great a way to encourage yourself and recognize your hard work.

5. Wear headphones.

Especially if you share a space, this will help you focus in on what you are doing and block out the distractions around you and hone into what you are working on in front of you.

6. Be patient with yourself!

Online learning is very different from being with your peers in a classroom- allow yourself some time to adjust to the current “normal”!

Article by ILI Staff / News

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A huge thank you to the @rivervalleycoop for award A huge thank you to the @rivervalleycoop for awarding ILI the Austin Miller Co-op Hero Award! We are grateful to be among all the amazing winners of this prestigious award! Receiving  the award is Sonya, a member of ILI’s Board of Directors. Caroline, ILI’s Executive Director and Beth, ILI’s Career and College Advisor.
ILI is thrilled to be a recipient of @rivervalleyc ILI is thrilled to be a recipient of @rivervalleycoop 's Austin Miller Award alongside Riquezas del Campo and The Nolumbeka Project! 

The nonprofit award winners receive $500 each and split the proceeds from food sales at River Valley Co-op's annual Strawberry Ice Cream Social and June Change for Change contributions.

➡️Read more here: https://rivervalley.coop/event-details/strawberry-ice-cream-social-austin-miller-awards?fbclid=IwAR3Uh8pZ0v5jO4jbYLG50xFVNcq5OEKPXj6HOmmU6F8e0toyzhFp6Dokt1A
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of vict “Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” — Barack Obama

Resources to learn more about Juneteenth:
• https://naacp.org/campaigns/juneteenth
• https://www.history.com/.amp/news/what-is-juneteenth
• https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/06/17/a-proclamation-on-juneteenth-day-of-observance-2022/
After months–or years—of studying online at ho After months–or years—of studying online at home or taking English classes in their home countries, millions of students want a breath of fresh air. 💨

Sunny days, warm weather, cool winds–summertime is a wonderful time to enroll in an Intensive English program. 📚

➡️Check out our recent NEWS Item titled, "Top 7 Reasons to do an Intensive English Program (IEP) in the Summer" here: https://ili.edu/2022/06/08/top-7-reasons-to-do-an-intensive-english-program-iep-in-the-summer/

➡️Interested in learning more about ILI's Intensive English Program? Email macey@ili.edu.

#ili #internationallanguageinstitute #Massachusetts #northampton #studentlife #intensive #englishprogram #iep #language #education #summerclasses #newblogpost #news #academicarticle #blog #ialc
For today's #tbt we're reflecting on Paradise City For today's #tbt we're reflecting on Paradise City Arts Festival that happened a few weeks ago! 🎨

Thank you @paradise_city_arts_festivals for designating ILI as the silent auction beneficiary this year. Thank you to the 75+ generous artist for donating their art and thank you to the 20+ volunteers for staffing the table and booth sitting for artists. ✨ What a generous community we live in!

#ili #paradisecityartsfestival #2022 #silentauction #community #festival #nonprofit #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton #ialc
We are thrilled to be one of three nonprofits that We are thrilled to be one of three nonprofits that are the Change for Change recipients at @rivervalleycoop along with #NolumbekaProject and @riquezasdelcampocoop ✨The three of us will not only receive all Change for Change donations made in June but also the proceeds from this year's Strawberry Ice Cream Social, which returns on June 23rd.

The Nolumbeka Project envisions a Connecticut River Valley where the histories, cultures and persistence of Northeastern Indigenous Peoples are recognized and celebrated, and where all beings coexist in balance and reciprocity.

Riquezas Del Campo is an immigrant-led, worker-owned cooperative farm in Hatfield, MA that began leasing land on the Grow Food Northampton Community Farm in 2021. 

✨Pictured here is Megan, a cashier at RV. Next time you’re shopping, please consider rounding up in support of these nonprofits.

#changeforchange #roundup #rivervalleymarket #rivervalleycoop #nonprofit #local #community #ili #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton
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