I’m pretty sure that Eliezer meant that Turing machines are better for giving novices a “model of computation”. That is, they will gain a better intuitive sense of what computers can and can’t do. Your students might not be able to implement much, but their intuitions about what can be done will be better after just a brief explanation. So, if your goal is to make them less crazy regarding the possibilities and limitations of computers, Turing machines will give you more bang for your buck.
I’m pretty sure that Eliezer meant that Turing machines are better for giving novices a “model of computation”. That is, they will gain a better intuitive sense of what computers can and can’t do. Your students might not be able to implement much, but their intuitions about what can be done will be better after just a brief explanation. So, if your goal is to make them less crazy regarding the possibilities and limitations of computers, Turing machines will give you more bang for your buck.