a question

I ran into my technology, then called "computer," teacher from elementary school last week. We talked for a bit and then she told me about a recent addition to the curriculum that required 4th grade students to spend a minimun of 4 hours a week on the computer performing some required tasks. I found this disturbing, especially as they have recently gotten rid of the playground there.

So my question is this:

Are the children poorer for the time spent learning on the computer instead of playing outside in giant tires? And how does that reflect on contemporary values about internet and the integration of isolation in modern society?