In recent years, contextual changes that have shaped the development of DL in Portugal include demographic changes (massive migration towards the coastal belt), growth of higher education in general; increased accessibility to HEIs through improved roads and transport networks; changes in DL pedagogy and on-site education methodologies and technologies. The growth in demand for DL has come from massive increases in access to basic education, shifting demand for skills and qualifications in the labour market and the personal development needs triggered especially by the onset of the information society.