Research background: The article discusses and compares the models and characteristic features of contemporary electronic distance learning (EDL). The relevance of the use of distance technologies in education, including extreme situations like a pandemic, is justified. The main emphasis is placed on the organization of the learning process, using online technologies. Purpose of the article: This research aims to analyze and evaluate the efficiency of working in the format of electronic distance learning (EDL), as well as to investigate into various EDL models, based on the example of teaching Russian as a foreign language at the Institute of Linguistics and Intercultural Communication of Sechenov University during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Analysis and synthesis of empirical observation.The study makes it possible to assess the pros and cons of EDL from the point of view of both students and the teaching staff. Of particular importance is the fact that the authors present not only the analysis of the learning process but, also, the examination of the EDL results. Findings & Value added: The data presented in the work show the demand for making a connection between EDL and the traditional form of education with a view to ensuring the continuity of the educational process and improving the quality of the content created of electronic educational resources. Thus, the integration of EDL and its combination with traditional methods made it possible to avoid economic and educational losses in the extreme context of the COVID-19 pandemic.