Bitegeko, Raymond MutasingwaSwai, Elinami2020-08-242020-08-242012Bitegeko, R. M., & Swai, E. (2012). Prospects and challenges at the Open University of Tanzania: Experience from the field. Journal of Issues and Practice in Education, 4(2).URL: https://journals.out.ac.tz/index.php/jipe/article/view/224http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12661/2398Abstract. Full-Text Article available at: https://journals.out.ac.tz/index.php/jipe/article/view/224While effective and balanced teaching and support systems have been pointed as among the contributors to the success at Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions and necessary conditions for learners‟ retention at ODL, practitioners at the Open University of Tanzania seem to ignore this balance. As we are celebrating the 20 years of Open University of Tanzania existence, there is a need to stop and assess how we are faring on. This paper presents the finding of the opportunities of ODL and challenges facing distance learners at the Open University of Tanzania based in Kagera Region. These opportunities, challenges and some suggestions to rectify the situation are brought to view as eye-openers for the OUT to gain insights and move forward while making informed decisions on how to capture the opportunities while minimizing the challenges that its students face as they pursue their course of studies.enOpen University of TanzaniaOUTDistance learningOpen learningDistance learnersOpen Distance LearningODLLearningTeachingArticle