In this interview, Rob Wilkins, who serves as the Head of Information Services at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, provides insights into his role and delves into the challenges and opportunities within the realm of educational technology.

The significance of data and analytics in shaping decisions within the education sector is on the rise, underscoring the imperative of innovation to address the ever-evolving requirements of students and educators in a changing technology landscape.

Rob also delves into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges it presents.

He discusses the importance of protecting students from the vast expanse of the internet while leveraging AI for educational purposes. Rob acknowledges the potential for AI to impact examination processes and the need for continued vigilance in ensuring academic integrity.

Recounting his involvement in mentoring students at a high school facing socio-economic disadvantages, Rob highlights the favourable results attained through these mentoring initiatives.

He firmly believes that mentoring can serve as a pivotal force in steering students towards the successful completion of their education and in charting diverse pathways, ultimately leaving a substantial and transformative impact on their lives.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Participating in gatherings and conferences holds great value including networking with peers, gaining validation for current strategies, and being challenged to refine and adapt approaches in the ever-evolving field of education technology.
  • Data-driven decision-making is a central focus in the organisation, with approximately 90% of project work geared towards aligning data-driven strategies with the ecosystem, optimising procurement processes, and ensuring cost-efficient technology implementation.
  • The enterprise service area supports organisation-wide service teams using the ServiceNow platform. The team’s focus is on optimising the platform to enhance the organisation’s service value proposition, particularly as they handle a significant volume of tickets and are actively working to elevate their service maturity through audits and improvements.
Contributors
Byron Connolly Head of Programs & Value Engagement at ADAPT
Byron is a highly experienced technology and business journalist, editor, corporate writer, and event producer.​ Prior to joining ADAPT, he was the... More

Byron is a highly experienced technology and business journalist, editor, corporate writer, and event producer.​

Prior to joining ADAPT, he was the editor-in-chief at CIO Australia and associate editor at CSO Australia. He also created and led the well-known CIO50 awards program in Australia and The CIO Show podcast.​

Byron creates valuable insights for our community of senior technology and business professionals that help them reach their organisational and professional goals. He has a passion for uncovering stories about the careers and personal philosophies of Australia’s top technology and digital executives.​

When he is not working, Byron enjoys hot yoga, swimming, running and spending time with his family. He completed the North Face 100km ultra marathon in the NSW Blue Mountains in 2012 and 2013.​

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Rob Wilkins Head of Information Services at Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Parramatta
A business and IT professional with extensive experience in IT strategy and governance, Data Analytics and governance, Service Desk operations and strategy,... More

A business and IT professional with extensive experience in IT strategy and governance, Data Analytics and governance, Service Desk operations and strategy, Project Management and program governance, Learning and Performance, Change Management, Digital Learning, Knowledge and Information Management systems.

My experience has gained over 30 years in the Financial and Professional services industries, education sector, across private and public sectors as well as global and domestic organisations. A strong customer focus and contemporary leadership approach dominate my approach to project and solution design. Acting with openness and integrity, my aim is to balance the needs and expectations of people with the needs and goals of the business.

Currently, I would consider myself a specialist in the effective use of data analytics, information systems and aggregated learning data to facilitate organisational performance improvement. My focus is now heavily influenced by information management systems, data analytics and business intelligence since moving into the Educational IT sector.

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