See It All At Once! 

Split Tabs In Google Chrome

*Image created using NanoBanana Pro

@LisaBerghoff

There are so many technological advances that are appearing at a lightning fast pace, both in education and also just in our everyday lives. Remember when gps needed to be updated and it did not account for traffic? It wasn't that long ago. There are some changes that are huge, like the emergence of AI. But I really like to appreciate the little things. Those small but powerful adjustments to tools that we already use that just make them better, easier to use, or more conveniently located. Those are the ones I get most excited about. I had someone in my office about a week ago and I said: "Want to see something fun?" and she replied, "Will I think it's fun?". Fair question! I showed her this feature and she did in fact agree that it was fun, and also useful. 

That's why I am thrilled to share the Split Tab option that is now available in Google Chrome.

What Is Split Tab View?

Split view in Chrome allows you to see multiple tabs all on the same screen. It lets you choose two tabs that will both occupy space on your screen. You can also adjust the ratio of each tab in case you only need to see a smaller section of one tab and a larger section of another. 

How Do I Use Split Tab View?

1. Move your cursor up to a tab that is already open in Chrome.

2. Right click on the tab (or 2 finger tap if you are using a trackpad)

3. Choose "Add Tab To New Split View"

4. You will see your screen split into two sections. Now you can click and choose the other tab you want open on the other side. 

To configure the ratio, hover and then click in the center and slide over to make one side larger or smaller.

To go back to regular view, go to the tab and right click and choose "Arrange Split View-> Separate Views". From the Arrange Split View menu, you can also reverse the views, close just the left or just the right.

Why Would I (or my students) Use Split Tab View? 

Ok. I hope you hear no judgment in my voice when I tell you that I know we all have tons of tabs open. I do too. Think about what our students are dealing with. Some of us have an assignment sheet or a calendar with dates and links on it. Going back and forth between instructions and actually doing the work is a barrier that we absolutely can remove for our students. Maybe you would like your grade book open while you are grading. Perhaps there is an article that you are reading or a video you are watching and you would like to take some notes. My guess is that I haven't even scratched the surface of what is possible with this cute little feature. 

Are you ready to give Split Tab View a try? Can you think of other helpful uses for this tool? I'd love to hear how you and your students are using it!