Hello David (you had a busy Thanksgiving weekend -- do you ever relax away from the computer?  Hope so!) 
and all,

Interesting ponderings.... a few notes below:

<<Here are some thoughts about building community online using  
technology.  In this scenario I am assuming that a potential adult  
learner has little or no experience with a computer and does not own  
one.

Let's assume we have a learner with intermediate level literacy  
skills in English  who has a new (for her) computer and an interest  
in getting online to take a basic skills course, but has not  
purchased Internet service.  She gets a one-page, easy-to-read notice  
with the computer (which she got inexpensively on a one-year or two- 
year lease/purchase agreement) which says "For help in setting up  
your computer, call this phone number."  Online technical assistance  
is provided 24/7 by a pool of people who have been adult learners who  
now have their high school equivalencies.  They have been trained to  
help new users set up their computers and to help them with basic  
computer operations. They are backed up by techies. When they talk  
with a new user  for the first time, they:

1. Explain that they are there to help, that the service is free,  
that the new user can call as often as she wishes
2. Give their name and phone extension (or other identifier) so that  
the new user could ask for them by name
3. Ask the new user, if this hasn't been done yet, to take the  
computer (monitor, internal CD-ROM player, printer, hard copy  
manuals, software and surge protector) out of the box and choose a  
place for it to be set up (on a table, near a wall plug, and perhaps  
near a telephone outlet or cable modem outlet)
4. Walk the new user through setting up the computer, printer and  
modem, one step at a time, then through testing it out, and
5. Ask the new user if they want Internet access, and if so walk them  
through the options, and then ask them to call back once they have  
chosen one.>>>>


    *Some people are just determined to try things themselves -- and succeed partially -- or get so frustrated they give up -- and let someone else use the machine, or try again days/weeks later -- I think an oft-times crucial step is to have someone at the GET-GO -- for many folks, a real live person is needed at this step -- more than a phone call -- this is the group of people I'd like to reach more of!  So, although there are possibilities with this outline, it is still not enough for a certain target population -- BUT... if we reach one group, and expand the knowledge base, these folks might BE the human connect for their neighbors, friends, etc... SO -- they make the first phone call and... it works!  Hooray!   [I've actually been at this point -- more times than I like to confess -- when I'll postpone weeks/months to make the phone call (hating to sound stupid, to admit I can't figure it out myself, afraid I'll be hours on the phone with no results -- like what used t
o happen... but the past several experiences have been wonderful!  Fast, competent, pleasant service -- I do believe things are improving!]



<<<There is a another set of steps for the ISP installation phone call.

Once the ISP is operational, there is another set of steps for  
opening a browser, for using e-mail, for using an online messenger  
(such as Instant Messenger),for using Internet telephony, and  for  
using (free multi-tool office software program) Open Office.  These  
are all described in plain English in the manual, but are also  
available by telephone.  After e-mail is set up, the New user is  
asked to practice this by sending the online T.A. person questions by  
e-mail or Messenger. Gradually, e-mail and messaging are increased,  
but telephone is always an option.>>>

I still think some sort of intervention on a f2f level is necessary.  One program in our area, Computers4Kids, www.computers4kids.net  has a great program -- I've seen its benefits spread from the children to the families/adults/friends within the smaller community networks -- I think this type of grassroots effort, although slower, has stronger positive effects... building community awareness and goodwill along the way, uncovering and encouraging chidren's talents, more.

I think the community building needs to start sooner.

I like the breadth of ideas you suggest -- and the ideas they'll give others -- 

Again, I'll plead the case for Moodles -- http://www.moodle.org   -- I love the community aspect they build, the ease of maintenance, 

Re:  <<Could anyone envision this happening with a handheld device --  
a Blackberry or Ipod telephone -- instead of a desktop computer?>> 
...or newer advanced cellphones, even?  

yes!  I believe this could happen -- and that the next few years will see amazing changes in the use of computers by a greater majority of people -- as folks use them at work in many different ways, it will ease their familiarity with other products at home... as schools, including community schools and adult ed programs, expand their knowledge base, it will burgeon -- but I FEAR that funding changes could 'force'/coerce people into losing the options of the vital f2f piece -- and I believe that human real connect is still crucial!  

I don't want to see technology do it all...
Holly

Charlottesville City Schools Adult Education Program
Charlottesville VA