i like hanamaki's suggestion ... everyone knows the web, and the ease with which you could get them generating tangible material is compelling feedback. it might be worth a thought to start with simple html to provide that and launch into perl both as an elaboration and as an extension into something new.

rather than getting too wound up in defining your course materials up front, you may want to let them lead you. as the group finds something that excites it, select your course material to feed into and enhance that, using your expertise both to shape where they are going and as an experienced eye on the horizon, showing them how waht they've done aligns with what is out there.

guide rather than direct, 'cause the least effective strategy for a group like that would be to push them into the channel you've created.

i wish you luck, you've accepted a challenge that rivals the most daunting programming problem. i think many here would be happy if you continue to bounce ideas off our cloistered beans.