Digital Nation Documentary-Thoughts

Three weeks ago, I fell upon a documentary on Netflix called "Digital Nation". It portrayed different aspects of new technology and how it affects our lives. It was interesting, inspiring and at the same time disturbing.
Some stories gave me faith. One of them in particular talked about a high school in New York where students weren't performing well. Success was estimated at 25%. The high school director decided to give each student a computer and asked teachers to integrate their class teachings and homework on the computers. One class was studying "To Kill a Mocking Bird". The teacher created an online class discussion and had the students create the character they related to the most in the book. This new way of teaching motivated and encouraged the students because they felt participated and contributed more actively. A year after the computers were implemented as a new way of teaching and learning, success rate went up 25% and has been increasing since then. It's important to show the younger generation that computers and technology is not only for fun and entertainment but also for learning and enrichment. It's also a great way to expose kids to new technology at that age and show them how it can be useful in our lives.
Another story really caught my interest in this documentary. Back in the early 80's, a big multinational computer, technology, and IT consulting corporation acquired a huge building where most of its' employees were working. Expensive furniture was bought and thousands of people worked there long hours. In February 2010, when the producers of "Digital Nation" visited that building, it was completely deserted. No, there wasn't a massive layoff. This big corporation had just taken advantage of new technology, letting its' employees work remotely from home. What really struck me is that they had asked the employees to open a Second Life account and create their own character in order to attend business meetings virtually. Needless to say, the costs of travel for international business trips decreased tremendously. How does that affect the quality of work and the employees' credibility when everything is virtual and when you have colleagues you will probably never meet in person?
It's hard for me to embrace certain aspects of new technology when it comes virtual reality. I work in HR and I'm a big fan human relations. It's important for me to personally know my colleagues. The virtual character doesn't necessarily show facial expressions and isn't that a big part of who we are?