The possibilities and limitations of digital distance technologies in the educational process are considered. The article shows the high expectations that arise in the heads of public education and teachers in relation to the possibilities of network and computer technologies in education. The authors systematize the reasons for the violation of a number of fundamental principles of teaching and education related to the action of learning communication and the formation of the learning environment in electronic distance technologies. The practice of electronic distance education in the context of the coronavirus pandemic is summarized.