Must Read | News and updates
September 2025 product update: New features and a special announcement
Explore the September Hāpara product update with new screen monitoring features, a OneRoster update and special announcement.
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This month we’re sharing some buzzworthy updates for teachers and technical administrators. As a team we listen to your feedback so we know exactly how to enhance our tools. Our goal is to bring you the features you want and make it even easier to manage digital classrooms.
Check out our latest blog post for this month’s new features and a special announcement that’s sure to get you excited about what’s coming in 2026. Hipi the Sheepicorn thinks it might even be better than marshmallows. Let’s start exploring this month’s updates!
New Overview Panel in Hāpara Highlights
We’re thrilled to bring teachers the new Overview Panel in Hāpara Highlights, a bird’s-eye view of classroom activity! This feature will be available in the Class View tab on the right side.
This feature displays:
- Websites currently active across the class or recently visited
- The number of active and previously active students on each of those websites
- Ability to see which students were active or previously active on those websites
Here are a few examples of how teachers can use the Overview Panel:
- During independent work time: A teacher can quickly glance at the Overview Panel to see which students are actively engaged on the assigned website and which ones might need a gentle reminder to refocus.
- When introducing a new resource: Teachers can monitor which students have successfully accessed the resource and identify those who might be struggling to navigate to the correct site.
- For group projects: The Overview Panel allows teachers to see if all group members are collaborating on the same website or if someone has wandered off task.
The Overview Panel will be available to teachers this month, with a gradual release to ensure a smooth transition. We can’t wait for teachers in your school to start using it for greater visibility during digital learning!
Recordings tab coming soon
Starting October 1, teachers will be able to find their Snaps of student browsing in the new Recordings tab.
Here’s what teachers will see:
- Snaps: The Recordings tab will initially include the same Snaps details teachers are familiar with.
- (Upcoming feature) Student browsing history recordings: We will soon also add the ability for teachers to record and review student browsing activity for up to one hour, giving them insights into how students are engaging with websites.
Hipi has seen your feedback requests for student browsing history and hopes you’re as excited as they are for this upcoming feature!
Class View replacing Current Screens and Browser Tabs
The Class View tab in Hāpara Highlights is now the default page that teachers land on when they open the screen monitoring tool. On this page, there is a toggle option to switch the view between students’ current screens and a list of their recent browser tabs.
In Hāpara Highlights, teachers can still see Current Screens and Browser Tabs at the top next to Class View.
On October 1, we will retire Current Screens and Browser Tabs at the top. For a more streamlined process, teachers will be able to use the toggle in Class View to switch between the two views.
OneRoster integration for roster syncing
OneRoster is now available for roster syncing! This new option offers a free and secure way to manage class data.
What are the benefits of using OneRoster to load your data?
- Data security: OneRoster avoids third-party data processing, keeping your student information more secure.
- Cost savings: OneRoster is a free alternative to other roster syncing programs.
- Ease of use: Many larger SIS platforms already support OneRoster, making the transition simple and straightforward.
To get started, check out our OneRoster integration guide.
Reach out to support@hapara.com if you have questions about switching to OneRoster.
Microsoft Edge integration for Microsoft 365 schools
For our Microsoft 365 schools, we’ve got great news! Microsoft Edge is now fully integrated with Hāpara Highlights. For schools using Microsoft, teachers can now view student browsing progress, manage student tabs, communicate directly with students and open links onto student screens.
We’ve already heard from districts who can’t wait to get started with Hāpara and Edge!
Sneak peek: Digital hall pass coming in 2026
Hipi is asking for a drum roll for this announcement. Are you ready? We’re unveiling our plans to launch a digital hall pass in 2026! This tool will give schools and districts clear visibility into student movement and time spent outside the classroom.
School teams will be able to track hall passes digitally, ensuring students are where they need to be. With a digital hall pass, you’ll be able to ensure safety across your school campuses, curb learning disruptions and improve student accountability. We’ll be sharing more details as we get closer to the launch. Stay tuned!
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About the Author
Nicole Bixler
Nicole Bixler is a copywriter and content writer living in Upstate New York. Before becoming a freelance writer, she was an award-winning middle school English teacher in Los Angeles Unified School District. With her background as a teacher and a love for technology, she focuses on the ways edtech can help educators and learners in K-12.
