Attention is focused in this rather advanced discussion on human goals and human style in the face of present and anticipated future developments in the computer-based technologies as related to English education. The paper admittedly is not objective. The implications of two hypotheses are discussed: that learning systems are not necessarily a threat to the teaching of English and that learning systems may in fact serve as allies of English teaching. Topics considered include: the distinction between means and ends, teaching machines, systems, computer-related learning systems, reevaluation from teachers and the cybernetics industry, individualization versus individuation, education and control, systems teaching and behavioristic control, reappraisal of educational technology business, and general evaluation of computer-involved learning. (LH)