That is a great question. I guess it depends if the purpose is to learn how to solve problems, or how to use a tool that can solve a certain class of problems.
If it is the latter, I do wonder why single out coding? Coming with a programmer bias, I often feel like I could do a lot more useful automations in my life if I had more electronic and mechanical skills. There are many disciplines that seem just as useful that students would gain a lot from being exposed to, not just coding.
Sure, but we're programmers, so we advocate coding! That doesn't detract from EEs advocating for electronic skills or farmers advocating for agriculture skills. We don't all need to push everything.
If it is the latter, I do wonder why single out coding? Coming with a programmer bias, I often feel like I could do a lot more useful automations in my life if I had more electronic and mechanical skills. There are many disciplines that seem just as useful that students would gain a lot from being exposed to, not just coding.