Having worked in the education field myself, I did a fair bit of Mac Evangelism whenever it was possible; I did not care to see kids struggling with a Windows environment when they could use that time more effectively and of course more fun with Macs! Or not even having access to computers at all...
I do like the idea of Macs making it into Quebec schools, but I don't know if handing out iBooks to each kid is the answer. I think that starting off with a mobile computer lab is a better beginning, and one that is certainly less expensive. A cart with a dozen or more iBooks that can be wheeled into a classroom is more time efficient than trying to move a classroom of active kids to a separate computer lab and getting them settled in again -- trust me, I know from experience!
Combined with an airport system, this mobile lab can be used throughout a school, without the need for expensive rewiring, or even "sacrificing" an entire room for a computer lab -- particularly handy for smaller schools that are always at a premium for space.
I do strongly believe in teaching computer usage to kids, its a bit like learning a second language, the earlier the better because it really sinks in with no real effort. When they are in elementary school, their brains are like little sponges and things sink in much easier. Once you reach a certain level in Jr. High, there is a definite difference in absorption levels, as there are also many more interests competing for their attention by then.
When one considers that so many jobs require some level of computer usage, even the "McJobs"; such as a salesperson with a computer cash, a car mechanic that uses a computer interface for diagnostics, secretaries, receptionists, warehouse inventories, etc.
I don't think that learning the basics of actual computer programming is appropriate, as some have suggested; I do however believe in teaching the kids how to type on a keyboard -- if anything they will be better able to deal with essays and term papers when they get older. Secondly, typing often allows some people to write fast enough to "keep up with their thoughts", something I personally could never do when I was writing manually. Thirdly, computers often allow students with various disabilities (learning or mobility) to stand on a much more even keel with their non-disabled classmates. And seeing how the slowest classmember can often slow down the class as a whole, this can benefit the entire class, not just the slower moving students.
Teaching computers should be a "whole" experience, from understanding how information can be organized (and therefore organize themselves more efficiently), to more effective communication (by learning to write more often), to long distance communication (by learning how to email or chat with other students from around the globe).
One of the most important aspects is learning how to research for themselves; don't we all benefit from technology such as Google? When was the last time you went to your local library and searched the card catalog to find a book on the topic you needed to research? Right? Yeah, I thought so... A student can become a more effective student because they become more empowered to do things for themselves because they have the right tools at their hands.
By learning how to search and research, when the time comes, they will be better equipped to get into the job market by typing their own resume, looking for job postings online, sending off their resume to prospective employers through email, etc. When is the last time any of you went to "manpower" and discovered that most of the processes, from applying for UI, to looking for jobs was done by computer now?
It does not mean that overall computer technology (and OSes) will not change drastically by the time these kids grow up and actually enter the job market; however they will have developed a comfort level with computers enough to adapt to whatever the future holds and hopefully be able to lead a fuller life as a productive member of Canadian society.
That's what computers in schools should really be about..
Just my 2 cents worth from someone whose been "in the trenches"...