This paper presents the results of a study that analyzes the perceptions of teachers facing their role in digital teaching and learning environments in Colombia, South America. The study was carried out in two Higher Education institutions that offer undergraduate programs in virtual mode. The research used qualitative and quantitative techniques by conducting focus groups and observation of virtual classrooms. A survey was also conducted among teachers with more than six-month experience in the modality. The results suggest that the teacher role by the student and the communication between students are scarce, and that difficulties in the interaction do not allow a true collaborative focused on the construction of knowledge.