This study examined educational challenges related to teaching online at universities that have surfaced during the COVID-19 outbreak. The authors explicate the main issues pertaining to online teaching and learning in general and foreign languages teaching in particular. The article sets out to address the following challenges for educators using information and communication technology: handling a wide variety of online learning platforms and learning apps, adapting courses to a fully online environment and increasing students' engagement. Finally, the article identifies strategies and techniques for reducing or eliminating these issues for students and academic staff. The objectives set have been achieved by means of general methods of scientific knowledge (observation, analysis and synthesis) and reflective methods. The authors conclude that there should be a strong emphasis on a comprehensive approach to support students and academic staff in online learning environment. The results and implications of this study are critical for educators developing and delivering online language courses. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2020.