Well, I can't be an open source zealot because I actually use Apple hardware more than Linux
As I have said before I prefer the child/parents to be involved in selecting what is best for them based on functional requirements BUT if the education institution is going to force students to use specific products that they don't force a specific corporations products on the students (hence Linux). Linux does EVERYTHING that the student needs, so why force a specific companies products on the students if that is the case? Oh yes, some educator thinks either an iPad or a Windows is the best for the student based on their superior technical education
Then you have an argument that business uses Windows and Office so you should use them.... relying that technology will not change in 10 years time.... which I consider a facetious argument since technology has and is continuing to change fairly fast.
Other than the argument above, I have not heard an argument of why a specific corporations products should be forced on students? What functionality is on Windows or iPad that is not available elsewhere? Web pages? eBooks? Videos?
What is the functional requirements that are the foundation of forcing specific selections?
From all I can tell, and based on previous experience.... people choose what they are comfortable with and in this case a small select group people are selecting what THEY are comfortable with and forcing it down both the students and the parents throats.