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Using audio, Split View and multiple-window indicators to support teaching Follow

Jean-Luc
  • Updated

This article helps teachers understand what the audio, Split View and multiple-windows indicators mean, why they matter during a lesson and how to respond in a way that supports learning.

Who this is for

Teachers | Instructional leaders

Summary

Hāpara Highlights displays indicators when a Chrome tab is playing audio, a learner is using Split View or a tab is open in another Chrome window. These indicators are available in both Current Screens and Browser Tabs in Class View.

The indicators provide context, not a conclusion. They can show productive learning behaviours—such as using a read-aloud tool or comparing two sources—as well as activity that may be distracting. Consider the lesson, the learner and the websites involved before deciding what to do.

In this article:

Why these indicators matter for teaching

These indicators help you interpret online learning behaviours that a single screenshot may not explain. Used alongside your knowledge of the lesson and the learner, they can help you spot productive multitasking, accessibility needs, confusion or distraction earlier.

Before independent work begins, explain which online tools and working arrangements support the task. Clear expectations make the indicators easier to interpret and help learners build digital self-management skills.

Identify and respond to audio

indicator-audio-icon.png

The audio indicator means that a Chrome browser tab is playing sound. It does not allow a teacher to hear the learner’s audio through Highlights.

  1. Open Hāpara Highlights and select the class.
  2. Open Class View.
  3. Look for the speaker icon on the Student Tile.
  4. Use the Student Tile or Browser Tabs to identify which tab is playing audio.
indicator-audio-original.png
The speaker icon appears on the Student Tile and beside the Chrome tab playing audio.

Teaching impact

Audio may come from lesson video, text-to-speech, a language activity, music or an unrelated tab. Compare the tab with the learning goal. If the audio supports the task, no action is needed. If it is distracting, start with a quiet prompt or private check-in.

Identify and respond to Split View

indicator-split-view-icon.png

Chrome Split View allows a learner to work with two webpages side by side in the same browser window.

  1. Open Class View and locate the learner’s Student Tile.
  2. Look for the Split View icon.
  3. Use Current Screens or Browser Tabs to understand how the two pages relate to the task.
indicator-split-view-original.png
The Split View icon identifies a tab being used side by side with another webpage.

Teaching impact

Split View can support comparing sources, following instructions while completing work, taking notes from a video or using accessibility resources. If one page is unrelated, help the learner refocus while preserving any useful learning setup.

Identify and respond to multiple Chrome windows

indicator-multiple-windows-icon.png

The multiple-windows indicator means a tab is open in another Chrome browser window.

  1. Open Class View and locate the learner’s Student Tile.
  2. Look for the multiple-windows icon on the tile or beside a tab.
  3. Switch to Browser Tabs when you need more context about tabs across Chrome windows.
indicator-multiple-windows-original.png
The highlighted icon identifies tabs that are open in a different Chrome window.

Teaching impact

Multiple windows may support a multi-step workflow—for example, research in one window and writing in another—or divide the learner’s attention. Review the available context and ask a learning-focused question before redirecting or closing anything.

Respond with context before using controls

Ask: “How is this tab or window helping you with the task?” This gives the learner an opportunity to explain their strategy and gives you better evidence for your next teaching move.

  1. Compare the indicator with the lesson goal and success criteria.
  2. Observe briefly or switch views if you need more context.
  3. Check in privately with the learner when their intention is unclear.
  4. Restate the learning expectation or help the learner organise their workspace.
  5. Use browsing controls only when a lighter response has not provided the support needed.

Multiple desktops and physical screens

Multiple Chrome windows are different from ChromeOS multiple desktops, also called virtual desks. Supported browser activity from virtual desks can still appear in Highlights when the learner is signed in with their school-issued Google account.

The multiple-windows indicator does not show how many physical monitors or displays a learner is using.

Additional tips

  • Treat indicators as conversation starters, not behaviour verdicts.
  • Set expectations before independent work—for example, whether headphones, video, Split View or multiple windows are useful for the task.
  • Use patterns across time and learning evidence rather than reacting to a single moment.
  • The audio indicator shows that sound is playing; it does not let you listen to the learner's audio.
  • Multiple Chrome windows are different from ChromeOS virtual desks and physical monitors.

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