I'm only 29... I don't think I touched a computer until I was like, 22 lol. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, we were taught how to type on one. But other than that.. not much else.
Still though, just because that's how I was taught growing up doesn't mean we shouldn't use a better way now. Computers are essential aspects of our life. In fact, after using an Ipad 2 for a while now, I am considering purchasing a bulk of them for all the journeymen technicans and installers in my company. So that's about 50 of them.
We frequently discuss what we should teach our children that has an impact on their future. Being literate and well-spoken are one trait to have. Having a foundation in math is another. But technological literacy is incredibly useful to have. If I do go through with giving out Ipads for the journeymen techs, I probably am going to have quite a headache teaching many of them how to use this.
One of the secretaries in our office is quite good at computer repair and has the technological understanding to figure out and resolve issues on computers, as well as learn new technologies quite a bit faster than everyone else, as well as teach it to them. That is a valuable skill to have as well, and one I pay her well for, even if it's not what I specifically hired her for.
So I don't really see a problem with children using Laptops or Ipads in school. Those are also useful skills to have which will impact their whole lives. There are many employers like me out there who would more readily hire someone for having that skill over someone who doesn't. Of course, I'll add the whole caveat thing where equal access should be had for them, etc etc, no one left behind because they cant afford it, etc.