The article substantiates the necessity of using innovative technologies in the process of studying and teaching geographical disciplines at secondary schools. Particular attention is paid to distance learning as a pedagogical innovation, its theoretical aspects and the ways of its introduction into the educational process. The relevance of using distance learning at the New Ukrainian School is proved. Its advantages and disadvantages are revealed. The examples of some forms of distance learning that will contribute to geographical competence development according to European requirements are provided. The article particularly focuses on the Massive Open Online Courses, modern websites, virtual portals of individual teachers, LearningApps.org portal, and Moodle.