In the article, the authors talk about the history of the formation of distance learning in Kazakhstan. They consider various types (forms) of distance learning and the features of its implementation in different countries and in Kazakhstan. The authors share their experience of implementing distance learning at their university. The article discusses the features of the methodology of teaching the Russian language at an art university in the context of distance learning. The authors give examples of the implementation of distance educational technologies using the example of independent work of students, tasks for pre-text, near-text and post-text work in Russian language lessons in the conditions of credit teaching technology. The authors come to the conclusion that distance educational technologies should not exclude direct contact between the student and the teacher. They are only one of the ways to conduct educational activities at a university. The most effective in the process of teaching languages at a university will be the integration of distance learning technology with full-time education.