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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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Students in ILI’s Intensive English Program visi Students in ILI’s Intensive English Program visited the Northampton Police station yesterday. Students asked Officer Lauren Bolduc questions about topics from animal control to traffic to violent crime to the job of a cop. The tour took us to every corner of the station from the detention center to the evidence room to Chief Jody D. Kasper in her office. Thanks NPD for an unforgettable experience. ⭐️

#ili #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton #northamptonpd @northamptonmapd #studentlife #iep #intensiveenglishprogram #english #languagelearning #community #ialc #ialcschools
Congratulations to new U.S. citizen Ayça! ✨ Ori Congratulations to new U.S. citizen Ayça! ✨ Originally from Turkey, Ayça studied with us in 2016 and then received a Master’s in Communications and Information Management at @bay_path (ILI university pathway partner). Now she is Director of Marketing and Communications at the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley. 

#ili #internationallanguageinstitute #congratulations #studentlife #congratulations #citizenship #northampton
“Music is the universal language of mankind.” “Music is the universal language of mankind.”
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

ILI English and French instructor, Josh Owsley is also a musician! He will be playing bass with @landownerband tonight at @thedrakeamherst . 🎶Hope to see you there!

📸Photo by @vagabundodeltiempo 

#ili #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton #landowner #livemusic #teacherfeature #thedrakeamherst  #community
Congratulations 🎉 to our graduates  Jeffrey ( Congratulations 🎉 to our graduates  Jeffrey (Peru), Azhar (Kazakhstan), Ruveyda (Turkey), Andrei (Russia) and Yasemin (Turkey). Every month we have an international potluck to celebrate our graduates. You might have seen Azhar’s cakes before, but the cake that she made, as you will say, is truly over the top! We are sad to say goodbye to the students, but excited about the next steps that they will be taking in their lives.

Cake by @_azhar_bakery 

#ili #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton #studentlife #azharbakery #potluck #education #internationalstudents #ialc #ialclanguages
“We must risk everything for the raw recipe of o “We must risk everything for the raw recipe of our passion” 

We had such an engaging afternoon at @parlorroommusic with ILI Board Member + former president of @gccgreenfield Bob Pura. Bob led a reading and discussion of his new book The Community’s College: The Pursuit of Democracy, Economic Development, and Success, which he co-wrote with Dr. Tara L. Parker. Audience members also got the chance to learn more about the process behind the creation of the book. 

Thank you for joining us! 📚

#ili #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #bobpura #authorevent #reading #discussion #communitycollege #thecommunityscollege #northampton
Today Bob Pura and Tara Parker read from and lead Today Bob Pura and Tara Parker read from and lead a discussion of their book The Community’s College: The Pursuit of Democracy, Economic Development, and Success! 📚 Join us at @parlorroommusic at 2pm. 

In their book, The Community’s College: The Pursuit of Democracy, Economic Development, and Success, co-authors Dr. Robert L. Pura and Dr. Tara L. Parker explore the extraordinary impact of this country’s community colleges on people, communities, and our democratic traditions.

As the book’s foreword by Lynn Pasquerella, President of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, states: "[T]he analysis offered by Dr. Pura and Dr. Parker unveils how community colleges—distinctively American institutions—are more essential than ever to fulfilling our nation's historic mission of educating for democracy."

Pura, a member of the ILI board of directors, retired in 2018 as president of Greenfield Community College after 17+ years in that position. Parker is the recently appointed Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at UMass Boston.
 
#thecommunityscollege #authorevent #ili #bobpura #taraparker #theparlorroom #northampton #community
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