Category: Miscellaneous Tech Topics
Mozart in a Go Kart: Shifting Minds into Gear with the Power of Classical Music

Mozart in a Go Kart: Shifting Minds into Gear with the Power of Classical Music

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I. Dictionarium Vulgare: Dictionary of the common people

Mozart in a Go Kart (noun):
An outrageously smart person operating in a setting way beneath their talent level. Picture Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, literal musical genius, stuck zooming around in a go kart — still outclassing everyone, but in the weirdest way possible.

Used when:
– Someone drops Nobel-tier insight during small talk
– A genius is stuck in a low-level job or basic situation
– Brilliance meets bizarre surroundings

Example:
“Did you hear what she said in the meeting? She solved a problem the whole department’s been stuck on for weeks.”
“Yeah, she’s a total Mozart in a Go Kart.”

Synonyms:
Einstein at a lemonade stand, Shakespeare on a group chat, Da Vinci doodling on napkins.

II. Ex propria experientia: From personal experience

Back in high school, I was all about 80s post-punk and new wave. The Cure, New Order, The Smiths, Talking Heads—I loved the synths, the energy, the way those sounds felt both nostalgic and futuristic. I was the kid sketching band logos in the margins of my math notes. Classical music, on the other hand? It felt like something meant for museums and movie credits, not for anyone with a Walkman and a poster of Morrissey on their bedroom wall.

Enter Mr. Bennett.

He was our band director, and he didn’t just teach music—he embodied it. He’d storm into rehearsal with a baton like it was a magic wand and a look on his face that said, Today, we summon the divine. He was intense, a little terrifying, and completely unforgettable.

And he had this phrase he used whenever a student showed raw, untrained brilliance:

“You’re a Mozart in a Go Kart.”

At first, we laughed—what did that even mean? But he explained: Mozart in a Go Kart was someone who had crazy natural talent but hadn’t yet grown into it. Like putting a Formula One engine in a plastic toy car. “It’s a compliment,” he told us one day. “It means you’re built for something bigger—you just don’t know it yet.”

I never considered myself one of those students, but the phrase stuck with me.

Mr. Bennett had this way of making music feel like more than notes. He’d stop a rehearsal mid-measure to make us hear the ache in a cello line or the tension in a minor chord. “Music isn’t sound,” he’d say. “It’s emotion, structured.” And eventually, I started listening—not just to play better, but to connect on a deeper level.

Inspired (and honestly a little terrified) by Mr. Bennett’s passion, I started listening to classical music on my own. At first, it was just to “get it right” in band, but then I found myself queuing up Beethoven while doing homework. Something strange happened—I began to focus better. My thoughts, usually scattered like an existential lyric from a Joy Division song, started to settle. I studied more deeply. I wrote more clearly. I was thinking differently.

Classical music, I realized, demanded attention. It made you listen actively, not passively. That habit of deep listening started to spill over into everything—how I read, how I solved problems, even how I talked to people. It slowed me down just enough to be present, and honestly, that made me a better student.

III. Investigatio et Data: Research, Investigation, Data

The Science Behind Music and Learning

You might’ve heard of the “Mozart Effect”—the idea that listening to Mozart can make you smarter. That’s been debated over the years, but the core idea holds water: music, especially classical, activates parts of the brain tied to memory, attention, and emotion.

Think of it like mental tuning. The right music doesn’t just fill silence—it sharpens focus, helps with recall, and reduces anxiety. Studies have shown that listening to classical pieces while studying or working can create a more relaxed, attentive state of mind. Not bad for something written 200 years ago.

Why Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven?

These composers weren’t just prolific—they knew how to reach the brain and the heart. Each one brings something different to the table, depending on the mood, the lesson, or the learning style.

Mozart: The Master of Clarity

Mozart’s music is like mental WD-40—it smooths everything out. His Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major? Calming. His Eine kleine Nachtmusik? Bouncy and bright. Mr. Bennett, my high school band director, used to say that playing Mozart in the classroom was like “putting your brain in a better chair.” And honestly? He was right.

Bach: The Architect

Bach is the musical equivalent of a perfectly engineered bridge. His Goldberg Variations are practically a masterclass in mathematical precision. Great for working through patterns in math or logic-heavy tasks. His Brandenburg Concerto No. 3? It’s teamwork, tension, and symmetry in audio form. And his Prelude in C Major still gives me focus goosebumps.

Beethoven: The Soul-Stirrer

When it comes to emotion and drama, no one beats Beethoven. His Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral”) is like a walk through the woods, and his Moonlight Sonata? That one hits deep—perfect for discussions about art, literature, or life itself. And of course, the Ninth Symphony (“Choral”) isn’t just music; it’s philosophy with a full orchestra.

Putting Classical Music to Work in Higher Ed

Okay, so how do you actually use this in a college classroom? Here’s how educators are doing it:

  • Background during lectures: Playing soft Mozart while discussing dense material can help students stay calm and focused. It’s subtle, but it makes a difference.
  • Study sessions with structure: Suggesting calming pieces like Bach’s Prelude in C Major before exams can reduce stress and boost focus.
  • Teaching with themes: Want to explain patterns in math? Use the Goldberg Variations. Want to explore grief in literature? Cue up Moonlight Sonata.

You’re not just using music to entertain—you’re using it to enhance thinking.

Real-World Results: Case Studies & Student Feedback

This isn’t just theory. Some universities, like UC Berkeley, have started integrating music into coursework, and the results are promising. Students report higher engagement, better retention, and a more enjoyable learning experience overall.

One study showed that students who listened to classical music while studying scored better on tests than those who studied in silence. Another student said, “It helped me think clearly—like the music was clearing space in my brain.”

Challenges (and How to Handle Them)

Of course, not everyone wants to hear Bach while trying to solve physics problems. Some students find music distracting. That’s fair.

Solution? Flexibility. Let students choose music that works for them—or offer a small playlist with a few different moods and composers. The goal isn’t to make everyone love classical—it’s to give students tools to help them focus and connect.

Final Note (No Pun Intended…)

I never stopped loving 80s new wave. I still blast “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure on repeat and lose myself in the pulsing rhythms of “Behind the Wheel” by Depeche Mode. But thanks to Mr. Bennett, I also know the quiet power of a solo cello, the tension in a well-placed rest, and the strange, beautiful way that centuries-old music can make the world feel sharper, richer, more alive.

Music, in all its forms, taught me to listen. But classical music taught me how to understand.

IV. Index Carminum: The “Mozart in a Go Kart” Classical Playlist

Classical pieces that engage the brain, calm the nerves, and elevate learning

For Focus & Studying

Designed to sharpen concentration, reduce stress, and keep distractions at bay.

  • J.S. Bach – Prelude in C Major (BWV 846)
    Smooth, flowing, and gentle—ideal for background while reading or writing.
  • Philip Glass – Metamorphosis One
    Hypnotic and meditative, perfect for long study sessions.
  • Steve Reich – Music for 18 Musicians
    Rhythmic and minimalist, this one keeps the mind engaged in a steady groove.
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467 (“Elvira Madigan”)
    Dreamy and focused—it’s like a soft reset for your brain.
  • Claude Debussy – Rêverie
    Light and introspective, great for writing or reflective study.

For Classroom Atmosphere or Lecture Background

These set a calming tone and create an environment that encourages attention and ease.

  • Mozart – Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525
    Bright and structured—keeps energy up without being distracting.
  • Vivaldi – Concerto for Strings in G Major, RV 151 (“Alla Rustica”)
    Quick, crisp, and uplifting—perfect between discussions or during brainstorming.
  • Debussy – Clair de Lune
    Peaceful and emotionally open—lets students relax into deep thought.
  • Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048
    Harmonically rich and full of forward motion—great for teamwork and discussion.

For Emotional Resonance & Thematic Exploration

These pieces work well in literature, philosophy, or ethics classes—or for creative inspiration.

  • Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (“Moonlight Sonata”)
    Deep and resonant—perfect for exploring grief, longing, or beauty.
  • Beethoven – Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 (“Pastoral”)
    Nature in music form—useful for talking about environment, tranquility, or reflection.
  • Beethoven – Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 (“Choral”)
    Unity, joy, and the power of shared purpose—ideal for social themes and closing discussions.
  • Mozart – Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550
    Emotionally charged and structurally brilliant—a great conversation starter on conflict and resolution.

For Pattern Recognition & Analytical Thinking

Ideal for math, logic, and structured creative thinking.

  • J.S. Bach – Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
    A brain workout in the best way—great for teaching symmetry, complexity, and problem-solving.
  • Steve Reich – Clapping Music
    A minimal rhythmic game—excellent for introducing polyrhythms and auditory patterning.
  • Philip Glass – Opening (from Glassworks)
    Elegant repetition builds over time—great for sustained mental engagement.

Bonus Tip for Educators

Use “Moonlight Sonata” when teaching poetry or visual art, and “Goldberg Variations” during math review or logic puzzles. Mr. Bennett, my old band director, used to say that every student has a little Mozart in a Go Kart in them—sometimes all it takes is the right piece to shift them into gear.

Books & Resources
Ctrl + Alt + Declutter: Spring Tech Clean-Up

Ctrl + Alt + Declutter: Spring Tech Clean-Up

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Spring is finally in the air! 

The windows are open at home, and fresh breezes are chasing out that lingering winter funk. Just as this season inspires us to deep clean our living spaces, it’s also the perfect time to give our tech a little refresh. 

Here are a few simple spring-cleaning tips to help you declutter and revive your digital life. 

Spruce Up Your Email 

  • Deep-clean your inbox. Delete unnecessary emails, attend to unread messages, and archive those that you may actually need one day.  
  • Unsubscribe from clutter. We all have those random newsletters or vendor emails that sneak into our inbox, and we’re left wondering, “How did I even sign up for this?” Now’s the perfect time to hit “unsubscribe” and give your inbox some breathing room. 
  • Organize the chaos. Think of your inbox as your home office—create a file system with folders to store important messages for later consultation. And if you’re anything like me, it’s time to actually move the old messages to those organized folders you’ve been meaning to use. 

Device Declutter 

  • Trim the apps. Scroll through the apps installed on your phone/tablet. You might be surprised to see some that you don’t recall downloading. Uninstall apps that you don’t recognize, or that you haven’t used in several months. 
  • Nest your apps. Group your apps into folders—like buckets—for easier access. Instead of scrolling through every app on your device, you’ll find your favorite game faster if it’s tucked neatly into a “Games” folder. 
  • Purge your pictures. You know, those blurry, out-of-focus duplicates that were captured as part of a paparazzi-style series. Let them go, keeping the shots that best capture the moment! 

Come into the Future 

  • Spruce up software. Check for updates on your devices – all of them! You know…the ones you’ve been putting off. We all get notifications about updating our computer operating system or phone system, which requires several minutes of downtime. Take the time this spring to run all the updates. Don’t forget to update your apps as well. Your devices will thank you for it!

In addition to cleaning up your personal tech, Sakai will also undergo some tidying up. Project sites are reviewed each spring, and those with no activity in 18 months are candidates for deletion. Site owners will be notified before the deletion and have the option to retain the site. Retired sites will be deleted on Friday, May 30, 2025. Please review Sakai Retention Policies for more information. 

As everything outdoors returns to life in spring, it’s a great time to get a fresh start in all aspects of your life. Updating your technology may seem like a mundane, thankless job. But I assure you, once it’s done, it’ll be as gratifying as cleaning out your closets—a daunting task that provides great satisfaction upon completion!
Peanuts in the Digital Age: How Charlie Brown and Friends Would Tackle Classwork Today

Peanuts in the Digital Age: How Charlie Brown and Friends Would Tackle Classwork Today

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When Charles Schulz introduced the world to the beloved characters of Peanuts in 1950, he captured the essence of childhood, friendship, and the trials of growing up. From Charlie Brown’s perpetual optimism to Lucy’s bossy demeanor, each character brought a unique perspective to the challenges of school life. But how would these iconic figures adapt to the modern educational landscape, filled with learning management systems, Zoom classes, and a plethora of learning technologies? Let’s take a whimsical journey through the eyes of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and Snoopy as they navigate classwork in today’s digital age.

Charlie Brown: The Reluctant Learner

In the original Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown often struggled with self-doubt and anxiety, especially when it came to schoolwork. Fast forward to today, and we can imagine Charlie Brown logging into a learning management system (LMS) like Sakai or Canvas. Initially, he would be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of notifications and assignments.

“Good grief!” he might exclaim, staring at the screen filled with due dates and discussion prompts. However, with the help of a user-friendly interface and reminders, Charlie would gradually find his footing. He’d likely appreciate the ability to submit assignments online, avoiding the fear of losing papers or forgetting them at home. Yet, the pressure of online participation might still haunt him, as he worries about how to contribute meaningfully in virtual discussions.

Lucy: The Overachiever

Lucy van Pelt, known for her assertive personality and confidence, would undoubtedly thrive in a digital classroom. With her penchant for taking charge, she would quickly become the “classroom manager” in Zoom sessions, ensuring everyone stays on task.

“Why can’t you all just mute yourselves when I’m talking?” she might demand, her voice echoing through the virtual room. Lucy would likely excel in using collaborative tools like Google Docs, where she could assert her ideas and lead group projects with an iron fist. However, her competitive nature might lead to some humorous moments, such as her trying to “one-up” her classmates by sharing the latest educational apps or online resources, all while maintaining her signature sass.

Linus: The Intellectual

Linus van Pelt, the philosophical thinker of the group, would embrace the wealth of information available online. With his trusty security blanket in hand, he would dive into research with enthusiasm, utilizing online libraries and educational platforms like Infobase Learning Cloud.

“Did you know that the Great Pumpkin is a metaphor for hope?” he might ponder during a virtual class discussion, seamlessly blending his love for the whimsical with academic inquiry. Linus would likely enjoy the flexibility of asynchronous learning, allowing him to explore topics at his own pace. However, he might also find himself distracted by the vast array of online content, leading to a few late-night rabbit holes that veer away from his assigned readings.

Snoopy: The Creative Spirit

Snoopy, the imaginative beagle, would undoubtedly find ways to express his creativity in the digital classroom. Whether it’s through digital art platforms or video projects, Snoopy would embrace the opportunity to showcase his talents.

“Why write a boring essay when I can create a short film?” he might think, as he sets up his camera to film a whimsical interpretation of his latest school assignment. His playful nature would shine through in virtual presentations, where he could incorporate animations and music, captivating his classmates and teachers alike. However, Snoopy might also face challenges with technology, leading to comical mishaps, like accidentally sharing his screen while trying to show off his latest dance moves.

As we imagine the Peanuts gang navigating the complexities of modern education, it’s clear that their unique personalities would shape their experiences in different ways. While Charlie Brown would grapple with anxiety, Lucy would take charge, Linus would delve into research, and Snoopy would unleash his creativity.

In a world where learning management systems and digital tools dominate, the essence of what makes Peanuts so relatable remains unchanged. The characters would still face challenges, celebrate victories, and support one another, just as they did in Schulz’s original comic strip. Ultimately, whether in a traditional classroom or a virtual one, the Peanuts gang would remind us that learning is a journey best taken together, filled with laughter, friendship, and a touch of whimsy.

Don’t gamble your data: the importance of backing up your information

Don’t gamble your data: the importance of backing up your information

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Data backup is one of those things that everyone knows they should do, but somehow never quite gets around to. Many believe that disasters only happen to other people, or that computers will never let us down. But the truth is, data loss can strike anyone, at any time, and without warning. However, the importance of data backup is not just limited to individual users. In fact, in the modern world, data has become the currency that governs the daily operations of organizations of all shapes and sizes.   

Despite the crucial role that data plays in the modern world, many individuals and organizations still fail to back up their data consistently. This failure often stems from a lack of awareness about the potential risks of data loss, a misconception that data backup is complex and time-consuming, or a lack of resources or technical expertise.  

In spite of the obstacles in the way, however, the rate at which data is lost is not slowing down, and the resulting consequences of not backing data remain dire. As such, it’s time for individuals to stop playing data-loss roulette and start backing up precious information because in today’s data-driven world, losing precious information is simply not an option.  

As you would invest in insurance to protect physical assets, backing up data is insurance for digital assets. More so, backing up data ensures that information is secure, and can be accessed whenever needed. It safeguards against potential disasters such as hardware failures, software crashes, or cyber-attacks. A backup strategy ensures that even if data is lost, one could confidently recover it quickly and easily. 

That begs the question: What is a data backup and how can one get started?   

Data backup is copying data from a primary to a secondary place in order to protect it in the event of a catastrophe, an accident, or malicious activity.  

Cloud services make performing regular backups and storing data off-site increasingly convenient. However, it is imperative to emphasize that thorough planning and a comprehensive understanding of best practices is necessary.   

As educators and instructional support professionals at Loyola, maintaining uninterrupted access to Sakai is a primary concern. However, it is essential to recognize that relying solely on Sakai to retrieve critical educational documents is not a prudent practice. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to maintain at least one additional copy of essential data stored on an alternative platform or system. This is imperative as storage plays a crucial and strategic role in facilitating an organization’s overall data backup and disaster recovery strategy. Fortunately, there are several available methods and tools that can cater to one’s specific needs.  

  • Best practices for exporting Sakai content from each tool  

Microsoft OneDrive  

Microsoft OneDrive has been widely acknowledged as a leading cloud storage solution, providing businesses with enhanced productivity, seamless file sharing, and robust content management capabilities, which are being continually enhanced by cognitive content services. Loyola University Chicago faculty, staff, and students can benefit from the following advantages of OneDrive:   

  • Storage Capacity – All users are allocated 5 TB of storage in OneDrive for Business.   
  • Sharing – Files stored in OneDrive for Business are private by default, but users can choose to share them with specified co-workers for collaboration purposes. Additionally, OneDrive for Business allows users to share files and folders with individuals outside of the Loyola network.  
  • Real-Time Collaboration – OneDrive for Business facilitates real-time collaboration, enabling multiple individuals to simultaneously edit documents and eliminating the need for emailing documents or saving multiple versions on network drives.
  • Windows 10 Integration – The OneDrive for Business client is included, eliminating the need to download additional software for file and folder synchronization.  
  • Office 365 Integration – OneDrive for Business is already included in Office 365 for all students and is seamlessly integrated into the email web client.  
  •  Security – OneDrive should be utilized to securely store files in adherence to the Loyola Cloud Computing Policy.  

Redundancy  

Redundancy refers to the practice of setting up an additional hard drive that is a replica of a sensitive system’s drive at a specific point in time, or an entire system. 

Removable Media  

Backing up data to removable media such as CDs, DVDs, newer Blu-Ray disks, USB flash drives or external hard drives is a simple and widely used option. The external hard drive is a high-volume drive that can be installed in a network, and backup software can be used to save updates to local files to that hard drive.   

Cloud Backup Services  

Online backup service providers regularly back up the contents of a hard drive to a remote, secure cloud-based data repository over a network connection.  

Backing up data is not a one-time event, it’s an ongoing process that requires constant attention and effort. Take the initiative to safeguard data and make data backup a top priority. Your future self will thank you.