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In this work, the author reviews the practice of ODL in Tanzania, with a special emphasis on the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). It is divided into three parts. Part 1 provides a historical perspective on the genesis and development of distance education in Tanzania. Part 2 examines critically the popular claim regarding the convergence of distance education and conventional learning. Is the trend real or just a mirage? Part 3 reviews quality assurance in ODL practice at the OUT with a view to demonstrating appropriate measures for tackling the "unfinished business" before the institution can realize its vision of becoming a World class university in the delivery of quality education for all.

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Dr. Neville Z. Reuben, Senior Lecturer in History, Open and Distance Learning (ODL); Institute of Continuing Education, The Open University of Tanzania (OUT), Dar es Salaam.

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