Introduction. Online education has grown exponentially in recent years worldwide, and Colombia has not been an exception. Objective. Describe the perceptions of students about the factors that affect the acceptance of online learning tools in Medellín. Materials and methods. A quantitative design by the use of self-managed questionnaires for 1032 students was used. Results. New information and communications technologies, faster transactions and exchanges and many other conditions have affected massification and flexibility strategies in some higher education institutions. Conclusions. The conclusion was that, even though online platforms help students feel more efficient in their learning processes, there are still many challenges to be faced concerning the implementation of new technologies as strategies to mediate in the teaching-learning process.