Global Reach: Sharing Yale’s Teaching with the World

By Sara Epperson

Yale University has long been synonymous with excellence in education, and its global reach through online programs amplifies this legacy. By sharing Yale’s teaching with the world, learners from diverse backgrounds engage with Yale content at their own pace. While we strive to make the best educational content with each course launch, we also appreciate and deeply value the feedback of our global learner community, which improves both our online and residential teaching and learning.  

Learner feedback serves as a cornerstone for refining course content and delivery. The online education team and Faculty actively review input on everything from the clarity of materials to the pace of instruction to assessment questions, leading to meaningful adjustments that enhance the learning experience. For example, insights from learners have informed the introduction of more real-world case studies, interactive elements, and tailored support resources—ensuring that courses remain relevant and impactful. In Professor Shiller’s Financial Markets course, learners noted that some concepts in the lectures were mentioned but not explained in enough detail, leaving questions for later lectures that built upon complex topics. Responding to this feedback, the team introduced a segment called "TA Timeout," where the course teaching assistant created videos that dove deeper into complex topics, such as the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), which is discussed throughout the course. These optional videos provided learners with additional clarity and enriched their understanding of the material. They also provided a fun moment for learners to get to know the Teaching Assistant (TA), who was present throughout the course! 

Providing this feedback benefits learners in our global courses and inspires faculty to explore new teaching methods and technologies. As a result, Yale’s online programs not only extend the university’s knowledge to a global audience but also set a standard for how education can evolve through collaboration and feedback. 

Sara Epperson is the Senior Director for Digital Educaton at the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. Sara and her team strive to share more of Yale with the world each and every day. If you are curious about sharing your teaching, or know someone who might want to share their teaching on a digital platform, feel free to reach out at Sara.Epperson@yale.edu.