National exams in 2026: When certainty fails

Portugal's national exams scheduled for 2026 are facing an uncertain future, as technological evolution presents new challenges to traditional assessment methods. The current problems plaguing the national exams underscore a broader concern: the potential for technological advancements to obscure the fundamental purpose of evaluating the prospects of thousands of young students.

This reflection, penned by Diogo Machado, points to a critical juncture where the rapid pace of technological change risks overshadowing the human element in education. The focus on technological solutions or adaptations in the examination process may inadvertently detract from the core mission of understanding and guiding students' academic and professional paths.

The piece suggests that while technology offers new tools and possibilities, it is crucial to ensure that these innovations serve, rather than dictate, the goals of education. The future of countless young people depends on assessments that are not only technologically sound but also fundamentally aligned with their developmental and career aspirations.