Purpose: This paper seeks to present the issue of e-learning development in a public university in Bolivia, together with challenges that could support the work of a sustainable development of practice and educational technologies. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents the first phase of an interpretative case study. It comprises data sources found in observations, interviews, and documents, which the authors have analysed according to three genre themes associated with e-learning--people, spaces, and technologies. Findings: The paper identifies a set of challenges that is aimed at directing further development and research on sustainable e-learning approaches in developing regions. Originality/value: The paper offers a practitioner perspective on e-learning development at a university in a developing country.