For OP’s question (just to stay on topic before we veer off), would you still recommend a Linux distribution on their MacBook Air?

Edubuntu seemed like a good choice to reuse their existing hardware and have a safe environment. There’s lots more choices to choose from

I’m only casually using my Linux MacBook but haven’t had any troubles with the keyboard.

Although a nice tiling window manager sounds like fun. I’ll have to look into it.

+1 for Linux but use your MacBook Air. There are Educational Linux versions that would be a great environment for your kid to learn to code. It can also be set up with kid safeguards.

You can also run Linux from a Usb if you’d rather not install it over MacOS

I recently put Linux (Mint) on my old 2015 MacBook Air and it’s been really great.

Wow, that’s just wild. Loved watching that video, thanks for sharing.