This article is devoted to the problem of distance education, namely the use of information technology in higher education. This paper examines modern approaches to learning based on Internet technologies, presents the main factors that determine the need for the use of distance learning technology in the education system, and shows the advantages and disadvantages of distance education as an innovative form of learning. The article is devoted to the possibilities of expanding the potential of traditional distance education through Internet technologies, describes the grounds for their use and the advantages of using them, and reveals the essential characteristics and specific features of distance learning. The author considers both positive and negative aspects of distance learning and focuses on certain issues of the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of distance education. There are two types of factors for the use of distance learning in the education system: external and internal factors.