English abstract
This study aimed to identify the effect of using Facebook by Sultan Qaboos University students, with a focus on its influence to meet their academic needs for information. It also addressed the challenges facing SQU students in using Facebook. The study used a descriptive approach. A questionnaire was distributed to 860 students which represent 15% of the total fourth year bachelor degree students during the academic year 2011/2012 which are 5615. The result revealed that there were 55% male students, and 45% female students , The validity of the data collection instrument was checked by 18 referees. The Internal consistency coefficient was calculated according to Alpha Cronbach coefficient, which was 0.81). The results showed: 1.Although 76% of the students were using Facebook, their usage to meet their academic needs of information was low. 2.The challenges in use facebook were psychological more than technical. 3.There were no statistically significant differences at the level of the use of Facebook by SQU students to meet their academic needs attributed to the following variables: gender, college, and level of academic achievement. The study presented a number of the recommendations in order to reach an effective utilization of facebook in academic communication by SQU students
