Previous research on the process of collaborative learning in the National Open and Distance University (UNAD) have shown that students have difficulties to develop effective collaborative learning experiences, therefore the various factors that affect the fulfillment of its objectives were analyzed methodological to understand more broadly the difficulties in this way of learning. The project was developed from a mixed research approach, implementing techniques such as pre-test test, non-participant observation, forograma, and discussion groups. Among the main results there is the identification of the various psychosocial factors (familiar, work and personal), methodological (relating to the design and implementation of guidelines and rubrics for evaluation, participation, monitoring and tutor feedback) and communicational (such as student-student and student-tutor and assertiveness in communication) interaction involved in the development of collaborative work.