Facebook use in education: Experiences of university science education students in Jordan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of Facebook use in education in one public university located in the middle part of Jordan. A sample of 189 undergraduate students enrolled in the science education courses participated in the study by responding to a questionnaire composed of 15 items. The results of the study indicated that participants perceive high level of Facebook use for 14 items and moderate level of use for one item. Among the reasons students use the Facebook site are: to communicate with their classmates and the instructor for educational purposes, such as inquiring about course requirements, including course syllabus, exam dates, assignments; and for project requirements. Overall, significant differences are not found in students' perceptions based on gender and educational level. The study ends by offering a number of practical and theoretical recommendations for the field of study.