Mr Dean Utian, Academic Mentor, Arts, Design & Architecture

Mr. Dean Utian is a Sessional Academic and Educational Designer within Built Environment under the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture. He is passionate about learning, as well as the use of current and emerging technologies to enhance the student experience and learning outcomes. He teaches courses in digital communication, immersive environments and games, as well as film, employing blended and fully online modes of delivery. Mr. Utian played a key role in the design and delivery of the Built Environment's first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), and its subsequent redevelopment into a general education and elective course for UNSW students. Mr. Utian’s courses are often presented as exemplars for their innovation and best practice in use of technology to enhance learning. They employ a range of approaches including flipped learning, game-based learning, storytelling and multimedia learning.

In his education design and support role, Mr. Utian has guided staff in the use best use of the LMS and other technology to enhance learning and teaching, as well as the student experience. He has mentored academic staff and has run workshops in developing teaching award applications, guiding staff in developing evidence of excellence in their practice. 

Mr. Utian’s achievements in education have been recognised within UNSW by two Built Environment teaching excellence awards (2008, 2014), two Vice Chancellor's Awards for Teaching Excellence (2009 and 2017) and a national level through a Citation for Outstanding Contributions t to Student Learning (2015).

Email [email protected] to enquire if Dean is available to mentor you. 

Conditions for mentoring facilitation

• one-on-one mentoring
• group mentoring
• 1-2 mentees at any stage