Abstract
Abstract: The article examines the essence and process of distance learning as a new educational practice. In the historical aspect, the contradictions in the development of distance learning are analyzed. The analysis of domestic and foreign practice of distance learning was carried out, which made it possible to highlight the characteristic features of distance learning: modularity; parallelism; long-range action; asynchrony; coverage or "mass"; profitability; new information technologies; internationality; sociality. It is noted that distance learning should be considered as a form of education along with full-time, part-time, full-time and part-time, as well as external studies. The basis of distance learning is the purposeful and controlled intense independent work of the student. Researchers of distance learning problems note that the main reasons for the contradictions and difficulties in distance education lie not only in the imperfection of curricula and programs, lack of financial resources, but also in the plight of scientific and pedagogical schools, ignoring the psychological and pedagogical basis of distance learning. The results of studying the experience of implementing distance learning in leading universities in Kazakhstan and abroad indicate that with a competent organization of the educational process, the effectiveness of distance learning is comparable to the effectiveness of full-time education, all other things being equal. Distance learning uses traditional and innovative methods, means and forms of education based on computer and telecommunication technologies.