SEEING GREEN: Coursera's starting to see some revenue flow, reports InsideHigherEd. The Palo Alto-based MOOC provider reportedly earned $220K in the first quarter after rolling out an accredited certification program, Signature Track, where student work is verified by mugshots, ID photos, and typing pattern. (The company also makes money from an affiliates program with Amazon.) The program is only available for eligible courses (currently there are 20) and costs around $50. Upon completion, students receive a "Verified Certificate," issued by Coursera along with the participating university, that the company suggests can be displayed on resumes. Coursera is also reporting that 70 to 80 percent of these paid users are finishing courses, going to show that those who pay to play tend to be a lot more serious.
