220 Copyright © 2011, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-150-8.ch017 Chapter 17 An Investigation on Course Characteristics that Fit Well with Online Offering Tim Klaus Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, USA Chuleeporn Changchit Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, USA ABSTRACT The number of online courses offered by universities as well as the number of students enrolled in these courses has increased greatly over the past few years. Technological advancements currently penetrate society, allowing online courses to be offered efficiently and effectively. However, it has become more apparent that all classes are not as adaptive to an online format as others. Since many institutions of higher education further incorporate online courses into their curriculum, it is important to understand the characteristics of courses that affect students’ preferences for either traditional classroom environ- ments or online environments. Indications of this can be seen in the attrition and retention rates of classes offered online. This study explores the characteristics of courses that affect students’ preferences towards online and traditional classroom settings. These results should help providing guidelines to institutions considering courses for online offer. INTRODUCTION Online classes become more popular over the past decade as this class setting provides conveniences to students and allows them to study at their own pace. Online courses are growing in number, both in the number offered in universities and in the number of students participating in the classes (Lee, Tan, and Goh, 2004). Technology advance- ments are important drivers of such changes in demand. In particular, the advancement in techno- logical tools and communication technologies has influenced the number of students taking online