Get your students interested, have them use Google Docs using XHTML with xml encoded embedded java code which they marshal and unmarshal using standard java library xml support into and out of whatever editor/development environment that each one wishes to use.

Traditional literacy is not a requirement for effective use of electronic communication, and as a bonus quickly learning an informal communication system (supplemented by verbal/visual content) is the best rapid learning curve in existence ( think of the scores of Pidgin languages that have and still do crop up for bartering over the centuries). On a wireless net using new low powered devices with solar and other locally available energy sources, this network can reach anyone anywhere. If this works out even filthy rich folks can use it for casual means and to keep in touch with everyone else while still having their exorbitant gadgets, etc. I think one of the problems with attempts to provide a laptop for all is not marketing them to everyone (the original buy two keep one and have one shipped to someone who can't buy one was the best model for shared communication and common ground, but it was dropped for simplistic pointless philosophical reasons and I suspect for serious market pressure from vested interests, someone correct me if I'm wrong, I wanted one and liked the idea of someone else getting one who needed it!) Real Human progress depends on those with more than sufficient marginal means setting aside about 20 percent of the Global marginal resources to build a minimal level of Human infrastructure that provide dignity and opportunity. The best way to insure that you don't starve is to build a society where no one is allowed to starve even if you occasionally have to eat hamburger. I applaud Google and I hope they eventually make money fairly for this foresight and imagination.