Yale joins online education platform Coursera

Online college course provider Coursera announced Wednesday that Yale University has joined the growing network of campuses that offer free classes through the organization.

Mountain View, Calif.-based Coursera said that Yale will offer four courses initially -- Roman architecture, financial markets, moralities of everyday life and constitutional law -- bringing the total number of universities that offer courses through the group to 70.

Millions worldwide take these kinds of free online courses through several organizations, most of which offer the courses without college credit. Some organizations offer a completion certificate for a small fee. Professors typically videotape lectures and interact with students on message boards.

“We are delighted by the chance to have Yale faculty work with Coursera to extend the reach of their teaching beyond the campus,” said Yale President-elect Peter Salovey.

All but one of the courses will be offered beginning in January 2014. The financial markets course will be offered beginning in February.

“We’re delighted at the opportunity to work with Yale as they continue to build on their leadership role in the space of online education and expand the reach of their knowledge and expertise to a growing community of global learners,” said Daphne Koller, a Stanford professor who is one of the founders of Coursera.

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stephen.ceasar@latimes.com | Twitter: @stephenceasar