Lightspeed Classroom Updates - Maximum number of tabs

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, HCPSS will activate a new Lightspeed feature that will allow teachers using Lightspeed Classroom to restrict the number of browser tabs students may have open during a class session. The feature sets the maximum number of tabs students may open to 50 at any time. This feature does not impact the number of tabs staff members may open. This information will be shared with students on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Teacher Controls 

In Lightspeed Classroom teachers may control the number of tabs students may open during their class to provide additional structure to support focus and minimize off-task behavior. Because this setting is applied at the classroom level, student experiences may vary based on teacher settings. Directions to limit tabs in Lightspeed Classroom 

Default Setting 

The district default for student tabs is set to 50 open tabs both during and after school. This default is intended to support student productivity, device performance, and digital well-being while allowing flexibility for instructional needs.

Common Student Use Cases 

Feedback has highlighted several appropriate and productive ways students may be using multiple tabs, including: 

• Keeping multiple assignment-related resources open at the same time
• Using tab groups to organize current and upcoming work
• Keeping frequently used tools open (e.g., Canvas Calendar, Canvas Grades, Google Drive, Clever)
• Navigating instructional platforms that automatically open links in new tabs 

Instructional Considerations

Some students benefit from additional limits to help maintain focus during instructional time. The activation of this feature also reflects feedback from parents and educators requesting tools to help reduce access to non-instructional websites during class.

Please note, students should be mindful of the number of tabs they are using. If the maximum number of tabs is already opened and additional tabs are opened, the oldest tabs open will immediately close. If there is unsaved work on these tabs, it will be lost. This action cannot be undone.

Considerations 

• Instructional Context: When adjusting tab limits, consider lesson design, student independence, and task complexity.
• Communication: If applying a more restrictive tab limit, communicating the change and its purpose to students in advance may help reduce confusion or disruption to student workflows.
• Professional Judgment: Teachers are encouraged to use professional judgment when determining whether a lower tab limit supports learning goals.

If you are not currently using Lightspeed Classroom to monitor and support student learning, learn more about the system in the Lightspeed Classroom training module.