Oslo school staff defend secure browser for exams

A group of 38 staff members at Oslo Cathedral School has penned a response to ten Oslo principals who expressed concerns about the introduction of a secure browser for digital exams. The staff argue that exams serve as a final assessment of a student's competence, distinct from the broader educational process of training.

The principals, in an opinion piece, suggested that the secure browser hinders students' access to digital resources, thereby creating an unequal playing field. However, the Oslo Cathedral School staff contend that this is precisely the point of an exam. While digital tools are used during the academic year for learning and exploration, an exam should measure a student's independent knowledge and skills without external aids.

They believe that while digital tools can benefit some students, they can also be a disadvantage for others who may become overly reliant on them during exams, hindering their ability to demonstrate their true understanding. The staff emphasize that exams must be given renewed weight, ensuring all students have the same conditions for assessment. They also see external evaluation, rather than assessment by one's own teacher, as a safeguard for students and a promoter of equitable assessment practices.

The staff acknowledge the concern about unequal access to resources but state it should not impede a secure, AI-free exam. They also address the principals' use of students with special needs as a shield, noting this affects a small minority for whom the Directorate of Education is expected to find a solution. The school staff view the secure browser as a tool that will make exams more fair, directly countering the principals' description of it as a problem that makes preparation difficult.