Information and communication technologies in the context of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 are used in all industries. In the context of COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to distance learning, computer hardware and software systems are an effective tool for the successful implementation of the training process in the universities. Virtual laboratories, simulators, test computer systems are the components of the virtual educational environment of the universities. Today these tools contain a specific multimedia element - a virtual robot assistant. Student's interaction with a virtual assistant should be comfortable and provide the successful educational process. The authors examined several aspects of effective student's interaction with the multimedia components of the interface of the computerized learning environment. The results of the conducted experiment can be used by developers of computer virtual laboratories, simulators, experimental research stands, test computer systems, a component of which is a virtual robot assistant, to optimize the processes of educational activities distance learning included. © 2022 IEEE.