The study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education systems around the world. The article reveals similarities and differences in decisions made by the responsible bodies in order to ensure the work of educational institutions during the current crisis caused by the new coronavirus pandemic. The author analyses the tools and facilities selected for education process and argues that in most cases digital technologies help students to continue their education even in the face of serious social shocks. At the same time, the downside of digital learning is also discussed. In a significant number of cases, the inability to attend schools and universities has a painful effect on the overall physical (such as food support), psychosocial (stress) and economic (additional costs associated with the need to use equipment and communication facilities) condition of both students and their families. The author emphasizes the pro and contra of digitalization as a vector for the development of education: new technologies not only contribute to solving the “old” issues of the industry, but also provoke the emergence of new challenges in this area. It is noted that the current situation in education can radically change not only the set of familiar tools for transferring knowledge, but also its content. Decision makers, heads of educational institutions, students and their parents face the challenge of finding the optimal ratio of “new” (digital) and “old” (classical) in the emerging model of education of the XXI century. The research is based on data published by international organizations (UN, ITU, UNESCO et al.), educational institutions of various countries of the world, and the author's personal teaching experience during the pandemic.