The topicality of the problem under research in this study concerns the changes in educational systems (from elementary to higher education) in Ukraine and throughout the world caused by COVID-19. This article aims to reveal the essence of initiatives of international organisations in educational institutions in Ukraine and around the world during the COVID-19 period, and to examine the perception of teachers and students of the process of online learning and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's aim also involves highlighting and analysing the quality of education to ensure continuous updating of its content based on the latest technological advances, including innovative methods in the educational process, during COVID-19. The main sets of methods were as follows: (1) analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalisation while studying the scientific literature, as well as legislative and regulatory documents; and (2) historical and pedagogical analysis to determine the features of open education development. The data obtained show the following: the regional affiliation and profiles of educational institutions; the experience of the teaching staff in using distance learning technologies in the education process; assessment of the prospects for distance learning implementation in the Ukrainian educational system; and readiness to master distance learning technologies. The significance of the article is to provide a holistic view of online teaching and learning activities under lockdown, to eliminate academic disorders and ensure the resumption of educational activities.