TRANSFORMATION OF STUDENTS’ LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH LMS EL NINO IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA AT POLINES

The shift to digital education during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in student learning behavior, especially in higher vocational education. This study explores how the El Nino Learning Management System (LMS), developed internally at Politeknik Negeri Semarang (POLINES), has transformed students' learning patterns in language education within the Accounting Department during the post-pandemic period. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected from 144 students through surveys and from lecturers via interviews and observations. Findings indicate a notable transformation from traditional, instructor-dependent learning to a more autonomous, flexible, and technology-integrated model. LMS El Nino enabled students to manage their own learning schedules, revisit materials independently, and develop digital competencies. Despite certain technical issues and limited interaction with lecturers (reported by 19.6% of respondents), students generally perceived the LMS as effective in supporting their language learning goals. The majority found the platform accessible (59.4%), motivating (53.1%), and easy to use (86.9%). Moreover, 75.5% of respondents would recommend LMS El Nino to peers, highlighting its perceived value. The study concludes that LMS El Nino plays a strategic role not only as a digital substitute for in-person learning but also as a catalyst for long-term educational transformation in vocational settings. Continued improvements in interactivity, infrastructure, and digital literacy training are recommended to optimize its effectiveness in supporting language learning outcomes. Keywords: LMS El Nino, learning patterns, language education, digital transformation, post-pandemic