The article is devoted to a very topical problem of a more efficient training of students by means of e-learning environment MOODLE. After MOODLE was released in 2002, it has been implemented in the practice of IHLs (Institutes of Higher Learning) due to the search for new technologies and teaching methods, more opportunities for personal and professional growth, better conditions for students to be motivated, opportunities for improving skills of self organization of one's learning process. The article describes pedagogical potential of e-learning environment MOODLE including: flexibility, variability of pedagogical approaches, allowance of individual learning styles, a variety of tools and instruments for development of different courses, an opportunity for individual and group work, no limit on the number of installations and the number of users. The authors believe that the following pedagogical conditions will help to take advantage of the application potential: students' high value of autonomous learning, students' training to work independently in e-learning environment MOODLE, teachers' readiness and motivation to implement MOODLE in their work. The authors proved that e-learning environment MOODLE in the practice of IHLs helps to motivate students, promote their interest to the academic subject, enables to become more independent and to develop self-reflection, planning skills, adequate self-esteem and focus on life-long learning. This approach has been successfully tested in RUDN University.