Internet Browsers in Education: A Comparison
Choosing the right internet browser is essential for a smooth experience with educational tools like Canvas and the workspace. At first glance, a browser just seems like a tool to get you online, right? True—until it’s not. Each browser has its strengths, but some can cause compatibility issues with important Ed Tech tools in higher education, or important websites essential for work. Below is an overview of the most commonly used browsers and their performance and offered features in an educational context.
Recommended Browsers
Google Chrome
Pros:
- Excellent compatibility with nearly all educational platforms, including Canvas, Microsoft products, and other university tools.
- Regular updates to ensure performance and security.
- Extensive support for browser extensions.
- Built-in PDF reader with annotation tools, helpful for grading and reviewing documents
Cons:
- It can be resource-intensive on older devices, consuming more memory (RAM) than other browsers.
Google Chrome is installed on all university-deployed devices. If you need to download Chrome for a personal device, use the resources below:
Microsoft Edge
Pros:
- Built on the same engine as Chrome, it has excellent compatibility with nearly all educational tools.
- Great integration with Microsoft 365 tools (Word, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive).
- Bookmarks and website data sync with your UIW account, ideal for those who frequently sign in on multiple devices.
- Lower memory usage compared to Chrome, leads to smoother performance on less powerful devices.
- Built-in tools like the PDF reader and Collections feature are useful for organizing resources and grading assignments.
Cons:
- Fewer browser extensions compared to Chrome.
Microsoft Edge is installed on all university-deployed devices. If you need to download Edge for a personal device, use the resources below:
Browsers to Use with Caution
The browsers listed below are known for being privacy-focused, making them great for personal use as they prioritize data protection. However, they block cross-site tracking by default, which can interfere with many educational tools and embedded content in Canvas. If you're using these browsers for educational purposes, consider disabling cross-site tracking or switching to another browser to ensure everything works smoothly.
Mozilla Firefox
Pros:
- Strong privacy features, protecting user data and reducing tracking during online teaching sessions.
- Highly customizable interface and settings, useful for advanced users who need specific configurations and profiles.
- Integrations with a handful of useful productivity tools like Pocket.
Cons:
- Compatibility issues with some interactive tools and content used in education, such as video conferencing and Canvas features.
- Higher learning curve to understand why some websites break or fail to work as expected.
- Needs to be downloaded separately and doesn't come installed on devices.
Firefox can be found on some university-issued devices. If you would like to install Firefox on a personal device, use the resources below.
Safari (Apple Devices Only)
Pros:
- It is optimized for Apple devices, providing fast and energy-efficient performance, which is useful for extended usage sessions.
- Seamless integration with features and services within Apple’s ecosystem makes it ideal for users invested in Apple devices and services like macOS, iPhone, iPad, and iCloud.
Cons:
- Limited support for some web apps and extensions used in education, leading to issues with tools like Canvas or Microsoft Teams.
- It has a limited extension library that runs through the Apple App Store, making it harder to integrate add-ons.
- Only available on Apple devices.
Safari is installed on every Apple device, as a part of macOS. Use the resources below to get familiar with the browser.
Alternative Browsers
The following options are popular, less-known browsing options. Please note, that the UIW Help Desk may or may not be able to troubleshoot the following options directly.
Arc Browser
Pros:
- Innovative interface with a sidebar for organizing tabs and workspaces into folders and spaces.
- AI features and ChatGPT integration are built into the browser, working around you to enhance productivity.
- Built on Google Chrome, it supports the entire Chrome library of extensions and is as compatible with Ed Tech as Chrome.
- Great for multitasking with split-screen views and fast tab switching.
- Auto-archives tabs to clean your workspace for a fresh start each day.
Cons:
- Arc introduces new concepts and jargon for existing browser elements, leading to a steeper learning curve.
- Most features are macOS-only, with the Windows version being slower and less feature-rich.
- Weekly browser updates can be frustrating.
- It's not always as fast as stock browsers like Safari, Edge, and Chrome.
Arc must be downloaded from the internet and installed, as it's not natively installed on Windows or macOS devices. Use the resources below to get started.
Brave Browser
Pros:
- Built-in ad-blocker reduces distractions during browsing sessions and speeds up page loading times.
- Privacy-focused features that block trackers and improve online security, making it great for privacy protection.
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with some educational tools due to its strict privacy settings, similar to Firefox and Safari.
- Smaller extension library.
- Not installed on devices, must be downloaded separately.
Brave is a browser that must be installed on any device, as it doesn't come standard for Windows or macOS devices. Use the resources below to
FAQ
Which browser should I use?
For the best experience with educational platforms at UIW, Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are the most reliable choices. They offer broad compatibility with essential Ed Tech tools like Canvas and have fewer issues with media and interactive content. While Firefox, Safari, and Brave provide strong privacy features, they are more likely to break key functionalities in online courses and learning management systems. These are great for personal browsing use, but for these reasons, they should be used with caution when teaching and learning or as secondary browsers.
Are these options on an iPad or mobile device?
Yes, many of these options are also available on mobile devices. For reasons beyond the scope of this article, most browsers on Apple devices have the same issues and quirks, just with a fresh coat of paint. While Windows or macOS devices are recommended to get the most out of a learning experience at UIW, if you must use a mobile device to learn, we recommend you use the Canvas Student mobile app.
