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I think the biggest challenge to Linux in educational environments will be training. Before expecting/encouraging anyone to change their O/S, existing teachers, future teachers, school media specialists and administrators 1. will need to be convinced of the benefits of using Linux above and beyond their current O/S, 2. will need to be convinced that changing their O/S will not reduce their technological capabilities in the classroom (currently, I believe, browsing the Internet is the most common techonological activity in the classroom. It is hard to find exact stats on this. I've tried. A lot of case studies and small surveys indicate that using spreadsheets, word processors and browsing are top activities. A couple of case studies in providing pre service teachers with technology rich instruction during teacher training, including creating technology rich lesson plans, showed no gains in teachers reported use of *more advanced* technological tools: using a database, etc... If you would like citations, I have a handful of relevant ones.), 3. will need to convinced that they can learn Linux and 4. will need to be provided *core* training.
I actually just finished my Master of Educational Technology degree (am thinking about a Ph.D). In a Research Methodologies in Educational Technology class, I was shocked by the reticence of many participants of embracing technology in the classroom. (I was suggesting organic uses of programming in teaching mathematics, which I later discovered had been successfully done with 4th graders using constructivist techniques.) The general attitude I encountered was technological laissez-faire, "no technology for technology's sake", which one can definitely argue is a blanket statement that covers any unwanted technical tools. (I, then, suggested that teaching PhotoShop in an art class is every bit as appropriate as teaching gesture drawing. Although, strictly speaking it is "technology for technology's sake"). The biggest complaints actually came from teachers.
I could go on for much too long on this topic. I guess the gist of my reply is don't put the horse before the cart. As part of any proposal for Linux in schools, include a comprehensive and do-able training plan, including a sample budget, and a change management plan.
--Phoebe
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