Evaluating the Effectiveness and Challenges of CIDOS LMS in Teaching Communicative English at a Malaysian Polytechnic

In the era of rapid technological advancement, Learning Management Systems (LMS) have become essential tools in higher education. This study investigates the effectiveness of CIDOS (Collaborative and Integrated Digital Online System) as an LMS platform in supporting the DUE30122 Communicative English 2 course at one of the polytechnic institutions in Sabah, Malaysia. The research focuses on third-semester students and explores their level of understanding of CIDOS, the challenges they face in its usage and the factors contributing to their level of engagement. Key issues were identified, including low digital literacy, limited internet access and the complexity of the platform’s user interface. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of relevant, interactive content and strong student–lecturer interaction for effective online learning. The findings aim to provide practical recommendations for improving CIDOS usage and enhancing students’ motivation and participation, thereby promoting better communication skills in English. This research contributes to the broader discourse on digital learning implementation in polytechnic education and offers insights for improving LMS adoption in similar contexts.