In 2012, Wellesley became the first liberal arts college to join the online learning collaborative edX with its launch of WellesleyX, as well as the first women’s college to offer massive open online courses (MOOCs). The course Italian Language and Culture has since become one of WellesleyX’s most popular offerings, combining best practices in foreign language teaching with innovative technology to bring high-quality, affordable Italian classes to anyone anywhere in the world.

Initially designed as a summer course for alumnae and incoming students by Daniela Bartalesi-Graf, lecturer in Italian studies at Wellesley, Italian Language and Culture was expanded and launched as an MOOC offering in 2016. It encompasses beginner, intermediate, advanced, and AP-level courses and has reached over 125,000 students in 197 countries worldwide since its debut.