How would a GNOME or even xmonad desktop help you learn? Configuring desktop applications and Xorg has nothing to do with using GNU/Linux as a working environment.
You may consider using Linux for: reading docs, developing programs, administrating that system. You can do all this shit through SSH.
Because managing linux as a base system and especially the more "hardcore" distros is a daily learning routine.
Besides from that Im sick and tired of the whole microsoft garbage I will never again put my trust in their code.
They have proven them selves to fail and its a matter of time before the monopoly will come to a crash.
I could rant about this another hour but thats a waste of time.