Taking statistics doesn’t have to be scary: Keeping the heart rate down. Essays in Education, 17. [viewed 23 Sep 2008] http://www.usca.edu/essays/vol172006/slate.pdf

In this paper, the authors examined how a well-developed graduate-level statistics course that uses online technologies scaffolds students who are in M.A. degree and Ph.D. programs to become less anxious and to become more motivated towards developing statistical and technological skills and knowledge. The significant emphases upon which these authors will focus upon are the following instructor characteristics: 1) Ability to communicate statistics at a level that students can understand; 2) Desire to provide the students with quality online learning materials; 3) Multiple teaching strategies; 4) Interpersonal skills for interaction with students; 5) Ability to use technology; and, 6) Dedication to provide online and offline feedback to students. These six factors result in empowering students to learn and reducing their statistics anxiety while preparing for three exams and six assignments with the instructor’s guidance