Most new students have seen a text editor before (like Notepad or Microsoft word). They are used to things like using the arrow keys for navigation (instead of

Most new students have seen a text editor before (like Notepad or Microsoft word). They are used to things like using the arrow keys for navigation (instead of HJKL), not having to switch modes, and using the mouse to manipulate text. There are plenty of serviceable programmers' text editors which follow these idioms. Better to let students use something familiar so you can focus on the actual subject (programming) and not frustrate them with learning a completely different set of keyboard shortcuts.