Online learning is becoming an increasingly popular request. Many universities are moving fully or partially to this form of study. In the article, the authors considered what is virtual space, what are its criteria, as well as applicability for teaching students and passing research practices. Based on an analysis of existing virtual spaces (platforms), an experiment was conducted. The study showed that in real enterprises social skills develop better, while professional ones are worse; with the complete replacement of actual practice with virtual, social skills (such as teamwork, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution) practically do not develop. When introducing an external curator and uniting students into small groups (2-3 people) for a complex task fulfilment, it allowed strengthening the advantages of virtual practice in terms of developing professional competencies and to level its shortcomings, adding more "reality" The experiment showed that a virtual platform could be an alternative to passing research practice for students. Still, it must be corrected both at the beginning (for certain specialities of student training) and after a particular time. The main reasons that impede the development of the creation of both virtual spaces and the process of "virtualisation" of science as a whole are considered.