One reason I support "learn to code" initiative is that k-12 schools started introducing computers in the 80s when your Apple][, C64, BBC Micro, etc uses a BASI

One reason I support "learn to code" initiative is that k-12 schools started introducing computers in the 80s when your Apple][, C64, BBC Micro, etc uses a BASIC interpreter as the core software operating system, learning to use a computer and learning to code were one and the same. It's extremely important for young people to understand that despite the shiny user experiences of modern devices, phones and computers today don't operate fundamentally differently than a 1980s IBM PC, or a 1960s IBM mainframe. This will help them prepare for when technology inevitably changes as they get older.