The Covid-19 pandemic forces teachers to apply distance learning through online. In online learning, technology is only a tool, and its success is influenced by how that technology is used. This indicates that pedagogical knowledge is the foundation that makes online learning successful. Therefore, this paper aims to explain strategies for effective and meaningful online learning, especially in English as a foreign language (EFL) context, which promotes local culture. This paper is written based on a systematic literature review and best practices on implementing online learning in the Covid-19 pandemic. It starts with the concept of effective and meaningful learning. Then, it specifically discusses the concepts of teaching EFL, what to learn in EFL, and the interconnection of language and culture in the EFL context. Finally, it provides a method of best practices to conduct online learning for teaching EFL during the Covid-19 pandemic.