This article presents the results of a study whose aim was to explore the experiences and perceptions that students, lecturers/tutors and coordinators had of the pedagogical models underpinning online undergraduate programmes in Colombia, and of the application of these models with regard to collaborative work and interaction. The study used qualitative and quantitative techniques to complement and contrast the participants’ perceptions. A total of 48 group and individual interviews were conducted, and 288 students and 44 lecturers answered an online survey. The results show that the programmes are based on constructivist principles and tend to use active pedagogies pertaining to that theory. However, the lecturers and students expressed uncertainty about the implementation of collaborative work and the fostering of interaction.