Автором визначено сутність поняття «дистанційне навчання». Здійснено порівняльну характеристику понять «дистанційне навчання» та «дистанційна освіта». Визначено, що різняться ці терміни саме тим, що надання освіти контролюють освітні установи й викладачі, тоді як за навчання відповідає студент, тобто дистанційне навчання є результатом дистанційної освіти. Саму сутність поняття «дистанційне навчання» автор визначає як інноваційну освітню технологію, в якій провідна роль належить самостійній навчальній діяльності здобувача освіти, шляхом використання телекомунікаційних технологій та мінімізації аудиторної взаємодії між студентом і викладачем у навчальному процесі вищого навчального закладу. Based on the study and analysis of scientific literature, author defines the essence of the concept of «distance learning». Comparative characteristics of the concepts of «distance learning» and «distance education» are carried out, since most scientists identify these concepts. It is determined that these terms differ precisely in that the provision of education is controlled by educational institutions and teachers, whereas the student is responsible for the education, that is, distance learning is the result of distance education. The author, on the basis of the analysis, considers the concept of «learning» as a purposeful, organized process of pedagogical interaction between the teacher and student, and the term «education» contains elements of a socially significant component, a systematic approach to learning and learning outcomes. The peculiarities of distance learning are singled out, they are based on the fact that distance learning is based on the use of specific educational technologies, modern teaching methods, technical means and methods of information transfer, information and telecommunication technologies. Note that in many cases the term «distance learning» is used alongside or instead of the term «distance education» or «distant learning». The author identified the shortcomings of the system of introduction into the teaching and educational process of the higher school of distance learning, namely: insufficient support of government bodies, local government and public organizations. This is due to the lack of relevant legislative acts, regulatory documents and, in general, the lack of a management system in the field of education. The very essence of the concept of «distance learning» the author defines as an innovative educational technology, in which the leading role belongs to the self-learning activities of the applicant education through the use of telecommunications technology and minimize classroom interaction between students and teachers in the educational process of the university. Thus, distance learning, as a component of the system of higher education, is quite a new phenomenon and consists of the use of modern technological means of preservation and delivery of information, group and mass communication using modern gadgets.