The transition to distance learning technologies has shown excellent results in the field of education, and educational institutions are not going to abandon this format. Why is digitalization important and how is it useful for students? To answer this question, the scientific research of the following scientists was used such as Satunina A.E. E-learning: pros and cons; Budanov V.G. New technostructure of digital life — prospects and risks;  Dubrovsky D.I. Electronic culture. Who is against? Tulchinsky G.L. Digital transformation of education: challenges to higher education; and some information from the internet. [1,2,3,4,5].

According to the definition of UNESCO experts, e-learning is learning using the Internet and multimedia. But even a clear definition does not eliminate the constant confusion between the concepts of «e-learning» and «distance learning». At the same time, they are similar in some of their features, but different in essence.

In distance learning, the key role is played by the fact that the educational materials are transferred from the teacher to the student using communication tools, i.e. without the need for personal contact. But the tool for ensuring the transfer can be anything: e-mail, the Internet, and even television. The essence of distance learning is the ability to study at a distance.

In e-learning, the main characteristic is the use of various multimedia formats, such as video, audio, interactive tests and simulators, gadgets, etc. However, it does not necessarily take place at a distance — e-learning also includes face-to-face courses using the types of educational materials described above.

We can say that distance learning is a form of learning, and e-learning is a methodology. At the same time, the combination of distance learning via the Internet and interactive multimedia formats of e-learning turns a regular course into an effective way of acquiring new knowledge and skills. Therefore, further we will consider e-learning in the context of learning using — distance learning systems.

E-learning is a young and promising way of transferring knowledge, so first of all, you need to decide whether it is right for you. To simplify the task, we have highlighted the main pros and cons of its use.

Pros of e-learning

• First of all the greater freedom of access — the student has the opportunity to access e-courses via the Internet from any place where there is access to the global information network.
• Competent, high-quality education — courses are created with the participation of a whole team of specialists, which makes e-Learning mature and high-quality training.
• Lower prices for training delivery — in e-learning, the process of delivering education includes only the exchange of information via the Internet without the student’s costs for the purchase of educational and methodological literature.
• The ability to divide the content of the e-course into modules — small blocks of information make the study of the subject more flexible and simplify the search for the necessary materials.
• Flexibility of training — the student chooses the duration and sequence of studying the materials himself, completely adapting the entire learning process to his capabilities and needs.
• Opportunity for on-the-job training – students have the opportunity to receive education without interruption from work (if any), as well as at home, on the go using the mobile Internet.
• Opportunity to develop with the times – e-course users: both teachers and students develop their skills and knowledge following the latest modern technologies and standards. E-courses also allow you to update training materials in a timely and efficient manner.
• The ability to define criteria for assessing knowledge — in e-learning it is possible to set clear criteria by which the knowledge acquired by the student during the learning process is evaluated.

To sum up, we come to the conclusion that e-learning using distance learning systems significantly expands the possibilities of distance learning, both in terms of improving the quality and increasing the variety of possible courses. Everything is limited by technical complexity, practical requirements and the approach of the course author to its creation. Despite the fact that e-learning is already actively used throughout the world and in many areas of education, it has great prospects for development

Currently, digitalization is a global trend. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, this area is enshrined in the State «Digital Kazakhstan» program [5].  In higher education, digitalization has great potential, as it is the further development of digital technologies taking into account the following trends:

1. Increased student enrollment [6], which should have a positive impact on the country’s economy.
2. Accessibility of education for working students and those who do not have the opportunity for full-time education.
3. Implementation of the basic principles of the Bologna education system, i.e. independent choice of courses and disciplines by the student.
4. Students having skills in using the Internet, databases, cloud and other resources.
5. Employers’ demand for university graduates with skills in using information and communication technologies.

Taking these trends into account, the Boston Consulting Group, a management consulting firm with a division in Astana, recommends three basic principles for universities: a) digital education and research; b) strategy and partnerships;                c).infrastructure and campus. Digitalization should be an integral part of the university infrastructure. It is important to have a convenient technological environment for research activities, digital labs, widespread easy and fast access to Wi-Fi, wireless labs, and widespread easy and fast access to Wi-Fi, wireless charging stations, data centers, smart and green buildings.