If anything was to be copied from IPython, then the system shell access feature might be worth considering: http://ipython.readthedocs.org/en/stable/interactive/reference.html#system-shell-access

However, a command to launch a suitably configured shell session could be a better way to go, as it still helps to clearly introduce the difference between the "Python shell" and the "system shell", while avoiding teachers needing to explain several different sets of instructions for different operating systems.