Stop the E-train! A plea for the thoughtful use of language in computer-conferenced contexts

Abstract

In this paper, I take the position that the recently increased ‘e-talk’ permeating our language potentially compromises our field's professionalism by ‘one-minutizing’ learning that uses computer-mediated technologies. In so doing, I discuss historical aspects of adult education, the importance of language as a naming function, the evolution of the romance of cyberspace, and the need for adult and distance educators to maintain a clear sense of their practice as distinct from the amorphous clamouring of the burgeoning e-world.