Effects of using simulation in e-learning programs on misconceptions and motivations towards learning

The aim of this paper is to measure the effects of using simulation in e-learning programs on misconception and motivation towards learning for the college of education students in University of Kuwait. The course of Environmental Education was used as a case study. Experimental method was used in this study to answer the research questions. Three measurements were used in testing the research hypotheses: misconceptions measured by achievement test, student’s motivation towards learning measured by motivation Questionnaire, and student’s motivation towards the subject matter measured by a second questionnaire. The Blackboard was used in simulating chapters seven and eight of the course that was used in the case study.  The study implemented by using two groups; the first group is the experimental group, which consists of 34 students and the control group of 35 students. The results indicated that by using simulation for e-learning the misconceptions of the students were decreased; as a result achievement levels were raised. Findings showed no differences between the two groups; the experimental and control in terms of motivation towards learning the course of Environmental Education.   Key words: Motivations towards learning, misconceptions, e-learning, simulation.