The article considers one of the forms of modern educational communication in higher education - the distance learning system. In particular, didactic principles, features of using the virtual environment MOODLE. The article explores ways to implement the main goal of distance learning at the university - providing students with the opportunity to obtain quality knowledge at their place of residence, to acquire professional competencies in accordance with their chosen educational program using advanced information and communication technologies. It focuses on the importance of distance education for the formation of high-level specialists taking into account competitiveness in the labor market, the desire for rapid career growth, the need to comply with modern professional competencies. Attention is focused on the advantages of the MOODLE virtual environment, which allows students to achieve the desired educational result much faster than using traditional forms of learning, because the system provides not only the organization of productive independent work of students in mastering educational material, but also contributes to the development of flexible forms of learning based on modern technology. The aspects that are priority for the MOODLE platform and distinguish it from other distance learning systems (motivational and value components, program goals, information activities, communication, monitoring and evaluation, etc.) are highlighted. It is these aspects that are key to the formation of professional competencies in a modern student

distance education/training; professional competence; information and communication technologies; information society; educational communication