The article highlights the psychological aspects of distance learning. Given the identified sources of educational activity and the degree of their influence on the quality of online learning. We considered the ways of activating motivation to learn and recommendations for improving cognitive empathy using an online component for high school students.

We provided an analysis of the structure of the organizations independent work of students through the approbation of a set of methods and strategies. As a condition, the content of teaching aids, the features of electronic support, the availability of educational materials are considered. The expediency of using methods of forming a favorable psychological atmosphere in the classroom, which increase motivation for learning and activate thought processes, is substantiated.