Introduction

In this blog you will learn how and why to block split view tabs in Google Chrome. Chrome always evolves to provide enhanced experience for users. Recently Chrome started providing a feature to split the Chrome window into two tabs. It helps in multitasking without leaving the window. You can compare documents in a single window by opening two tabs. The feature is useful but in a school environment, it causes distraction between students. Students may bypass the policies and open two tabs to cheat in the tests and exams. This article will educate you about the new feature, why to block it for education and how Safe Doc helps in disabling the feature. 

xFanatical Safe Doc blocks split view in Chrome

What is Split View Feature in Google Chrome? 

Split view in Chrome allows you to open two tabs within the single Chrome window. It helps users to multitask by reducing the switching between different tabs. Users can compare UI or documents easily with this feature. While this feature is helpful, non-technical users may end up in confusion or losing data if they close the tabs without saving. In educational settings, educators request to block this feature due to students' security reasons and classroom discipline concerns. 

Google Admin Console Does Not Provide Settings to Disable the Split View feature

Unfortunately, Google Admin Console does not have any setting to disable the tab split view. Hence administrators cannot control this behavior for students' accounts. 

Why Block Split View Tabs in Google Chrome for Education?

In schools, maintaining focused and productive learning is essential for students' success. Splitting tabs into two, students can easily view restricted content or open a chat box in the other tab and text peers. This interrupts students' focus from learning and causes disturbance in class. They may misuse the feature in exams by opening study material in the second tab, keeping the  first tab focused. This way teachers will have problems while evaluating students.

Let’s understand the scenario through a user story:

  • Problem: Mr. Adams, a math teacher at a K-12 school, announced a surprise test for his students. Students started writing the test and got the split feature from Chrome and opened two tabs. One focused on the test and in the second tab opened the document of formulas. This way students started cheating and Mr. Adams noticed it.
  • Solution: Mr. Adams discussed the problem with the school’s IT administrator and decided to block tab split view feature in Google Chrome using xFanatical Safe Doc.
  • Result: After implementing the Safe Doc policy, students could not open multiple tabs in Chrome. This policy helped teachers to control discipline within the classroom and admins got control over students safety.

Introduction to xFanatical Safe Doc

xFanatical Safe Doc is a browser extension that provides policies to enhance students safety and provides control over digital learning. Safe Doc provides various policies to change Chrome new tab URL , prevent students from opening too many Chrome tabs and block Minecraft game in Google Search.

Disable Split View in Google Chrome with xFanatical Safe Doc

Google Chrome provides a split view option to open split tabs into two.  In educational settings, this may cause distraction in learning and reduce productivity. xFanatical Safe Doc provides BlockBrowserTabsSplitView policy to help schools maintain student focus, controlled browsing and instruction-aligned learning. Set this policy to true to block the split view in Chrome.

xFanatical Safe Doc blocks the Split view tabs feature in Google Chrome

Steps to Block Split View Tabs using xFanatical Safe Doc

Step 1: Install xFanatical Safe Doc
The first step is to install xFanatical Safe Doc in your Google Workspace environment. Safe Doc is a browser extension that provides policies for enhanced control and security features.

Step 2: Configure Safe Doc settings
Once you install the Safe Doc, configure its settings to block split view tabs in Chrome..

Step 3: Access Google Admin Console
Next, navigate to the Google Admin Console. In the Google Admin Console, click on Devices followed by Chrome. Then, click Apps & Extensions > Users & Browsers.

Step 4: Set the Policy
Now, find the policy and set the value to true. The policy will look like below:

"BlockBrowserTabsSplitView": {
  "Value": true
}

Step 5: Save the Policy
After applying the policy, click the Save.

How to configure Safe Doc?

Ensure the deployment of Safe Doc on your students' Chrome browsers, and review the xFanatical Safe Doc Configuration document for detailed instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, blocking the split view feature in Chrome, not only enhances classroom discipline but provides control back to the administrator. By preventing students from splitting the tabs, teachers can manage and enhance the learning environment. Follow the steps provided in this blog to install Safe Doc and configure the policy within your environment. 

To learn more about how xFanatical Safe Doc can help enhance online safety in your educational institution, visit our website  xFanatical Safe Doc and install Safe Doc to get a 30 days trial.

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