These days, distance learning has almost completely replaced traditional teaching methods due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of quarantine measures. A sharp rise in interest in distance learning methodology has raised a number of new questions and challenges. This research examines changes in the training process and cognitive abilities and academic performance during the coronavirus pandemic. Students of the I.M. Sechenov University and Al Ain University were surveyed (103) during classroom and distance English learning before and during the COVID-19. Three samples of the average values of the respondents' self-assessment of academic performance, cognitive abilities (namely concentration and memory), progress in performing oral assignments, progress in performing written assignments, ability to absorb information while reading and by ear; general health condition during the training and were obtained and tested for the Gaussian distribution law compliance. All of the rates studied fell during distance learning during a pandemic compared to distance learning outside a pandemic. However, it should be noted that they still turned out to be higher than the marks obtained in classroom teaching. Students were interviewed for possible factors influencing the reviewed teaching modes effectiveness (the survey showed that these factors are an increase in the amount of leisure time, ability to take breaks more often, more comfortable learning environment, no need to spend time on the road to the university).