Teaching & Learning

Rachel Siow Robertson is an Assistant Professor at the Academy of Chinese, History, Religion and Philosophy at Hong Kong Baptist University. She works on philosophy of technology and moral education, with a focus on character-based approaches to digital ethics. Her published work on these themes include "Moral Education in and for Virtual Spaces" (2023) and "A Co-Liberatory Framework for Big Data" (2023). She has conducted several projects on technology and character development, including an online digital ethics course for educators in universities across Asia, and a service-learning course training undergraduates to teach digital ethics to secondary school students.

Prof. Robertson currently teaches the GE Level 1 course “GFVM1045 Matters of Life and Death” and the GE Level 2 Thematic Course “GTSC2006 Becoming Critically Thoughtful Cyberworld Citizens”.

The Panel is impressed by the excellence of her GE teaching, which is guided by a coherent philosophy centred on character education. Prof. Robertson’s approach provides a framework designed to equip students with the virtues needed to navigate a complex world. Her thoughtful integration of teaching, research, and teaching and learning projects effectively fosters students’ intellectual virtues, such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and reflection.

A key factor in this recommendation is Prof. Robertson’s outstanding leadership, which extends well beyond the classroom. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to the wider academic community by developing “An Introduction to Digital Ethics,” a timely online course for professionals in higher education. The course has been met with overwhelming interest, a clear indication of its quality and relevance.

Her deep commitment to student development is also noted, particularly her innovative use of service learning in the “GTSC2006 Becoming Critically Thoughtful Cyberworld Citizens” course. This course guides students to engage in deep reflection, helping them uncover and challenge biases inherent in digital technologies and broader social structures. Her genuine care for students is further reflected in her extensive mentorship activities and the feedback she has received from students, who praise her kindness and encouragement.

In recognition of her unwavering dedication, innovative pedagogy, and impactful leadership in GE teaching, the Panel recommends Prof. Robertson for the GE Teaching Award (Early Career) to honour her excellent performance.